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Paint Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... processes such as machining, and decorating (anodizing, plating, painting). Good material and ... engineering (MS and PhD preferred) Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total ...

Painter II

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... paint guns, filters, etc. * Makes an effort for continuous improvement to work processes for ... Basic understanding of blueprint and engineering drawing * Experience working with work order (job ...

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Paint Process Engineer information

See California salary details

$30

$41

$54

How much do paint process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint process engineer in California is $41.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.02 and $45.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Paint Process Engineer Do?

The responsibilities of a paint process engineer include analyzing and maintaining automated paint equipment to ensure each order meets or exceeds client expectations. This position is common in the automotive industry and for companies that produce components and other painted parts. In this role, you inspect and evaluate the paint job process, as well as a variety of pretreatment methods as needed, and conduct feasibility studies before offering price quotes. Your duties include developing, testing, and implementing processes using robotic spray paint systems and other applicator products, and you are expected to maintain and service these systems. It’s your job to communicate with customers, continuously analyze the equipment, and provide feedback to the engineering group as well as technical expertise in sales meetings.

What is the difference between Paint Process Engineer vs Paint Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPaint Process EngineerPaint Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications in manufacturing or process improvementHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesigning and optimizing paint application processes in manufacturing plantsOperating and maintaining paint production equipment on the factory floor
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping process improvements, troubleshooting, and quality controlRunning production lines, monitoring equipment, and ensuring product quality

The Paint Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving paint application processes, requiring technical engineering skills and process knowledge. In contrast, the Paint Manufacturing Technician handles daily production operations, equipment maintenance, and quality checks. Both roles are essential in the paint manufacturing industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Paint Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paint Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, with expertise in paint application processes and quality control. Familiarity with automation systems, paint robots, PLC programming, and coating quality standards is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting process issues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient, high-quality paint operations that meet safety and production standards in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges Paint Process Engineers face when optimizing production lines?

Paint Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent coating quality, minimizing waste, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. They must troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, adjust parameters for new materials or products, and work closely with production and maintenance teams to implement process improvements. Balancing efficiency with quality control is key, and engineers regularly analyze data to identify trends and root causes of defects.

What does a Paint Process Engineer do?

A Paint Process Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing painting processes in manufacturing environments, particularly those involving automotive, industrial, or consumer products. They ensure high-quality paint application, improve process efficiency, and maintain compliance with safety and environmental standards. Their duties often include selecting appropriate materials, troubleshooting equipment, and working closely with other engineering teams to improve production lines. Paint Process Engineers also monitor production data to identify areas for improvement and reduce waste. This role requires a strong understanding of chemistry, engineering principles, and manufacturing technology.
What job categories do people searching Paint Process Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Paint Process Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Process Engineer jobs in CA? For Paint Process Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Paint Process Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,699 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) - iPhone

Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) - iPhone

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish...The people here at Apple don't just build products - they craft the kind of wonder that's revolutionized entire industries. It's the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it...The Apple iPhone Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) is accountable for driving the development of key mechanical manufacturing processes across Apple's worldwide supply base. In this highly visible, hands-on role as the expert technical member of the Manufacturing Design Team you will have direct frequent communication and collaboration with Apple Industrial Design, Product Design, Manufacturing Design partners and worldwide suppliers.
Apple MDE's are extraordinary engineers that provide end to end manufacturing and process solutions for key design features. This includes manufacturing process development and capability (includes incorporating all aspects of equipment, consumables, key parameters, process setup, and qualification), selection and/or design of manufacturing equipment, automation, and strategic R&D. -Define best-in-class processes to meet all Apple design and operational requirements-Develop and document processes including all parameters, consumables and secondary operation requirements to meet defined specifications -Work with Global Supply Managers to define and establish supply chain requirements utilizing selected equipment and manufacturing suppliers -Provide leadership at manufacturing sites during development and product production ramp, and drive engineering issues to resolution -Use data to drive process decisions, basic data analysis, DOEs, SPC, etc. Identify, research, develop, and qualify premier equipment manufacturers and suppliers-Define part tolerance and specifications by demonstrating process capability to Product Designers and Industrial Designers -Lead process development/have expertise in one of the process development areas listed below: CNC machining - Develop all CNC milling and turning processes. Scope appropriate CNC equipment to be used, develop CNC fixtures, implement touch probing, lead the reduction of cycle time, development of advanced cutters and coatings, High Speed Machining implementation, support the programming and optimization of all CNC-related activities at contract manufacturers worldwide. Own yield improvement actions and process change decisions based on statistical process control (SPC) data analysis. Surface Finishing - Develop new processes in the area of blasting, tumbling, polishing, wet sanding, lapping, anodizing, and PVD. Ensure that quality and yield requirements are met.Glass Processing - Develop all processes for glass scribe/break, grinding, lapping, polishing, chemical strengthening, decoration and functional coatings (with inks, and other thin film deposition techniques etc). Ensure that quality and yield requirements are met. Assembly - Develop all assembly processes. Includes incorporating welding, gluing/adhesives, and mechanical fit based processes. Support qualification of equipment at suppliers, including detailed documentation of process parameters. Own yield improvement actions and process change decisions based on statistical process control (SPC) data analysis. Identify automation opportunities and justify automation projects based on automation line efficiency metrics. Painting - Develop all paint processes to achieve cosmetic and surface durability requirements. Scope and specify paint equipment, environmental clean room requirements, evaluate and select most appropriate paints and painting parameters to ensure quality and yield requirements are met.
3+ years of full time mechanical manufacturing experience required25% domestic and international travel required
BS, MS or PhD in mechanical, manufacturing or industrial engineering preferred.Demonstrate hands-on mechanical abilityDemonstrate excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills.Experience with highly cosmetic parts a plus as is experience in a manufacturing environment of consumer electronics or consumer plastic / sheet metal productsBe a self-starter by defining all engineering tasks to meet project objectives and have the ability to quickly learn about new processes with very little information provided

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976