Paint Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This is a working leadership position that combines supervisory responsibilities with active, hands-on production work. While the role primarily focuses on leading and supporting team members in daily operations, there may be occasions where the individual is required to assist directly with processing parts to meet production demands. As an integral member of the department’s leadership team, this position is responsible for providing guidance, ensuring operational efficiency, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and performing additional duties as assigned.

This is classified as a safety-sensitive position due to its hands-on nature. The individual in this role will operate various types of equipment, including forklifts or combis, and machinery such as shears, plasma cutters, robotic welders, and tube benders. Work may also involve the use of power and hand tools (including saws, grinders, sanders, and hoists), lasers, machinery, and painting equipment such as sprayers. The role requires handling paints, chemicals, and heavy materials including steel beams and steel pipe used in truss fabrication.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicates the daily production plan effectively with Tier-1 teams.
• Assigns staff and work; adjusts personnel on the floor based on production needs and notifies the supervisor or manager of staffing requirements.
• Monitors and/or completes Tier-1 PvA boards on an hourly or job basis; advises the supervisor or manager of performance or process issues.
• Identifies and engages Tier-1 teams in problem resolution; escalates issues to the supervisor or manager as appropriate.
• Ensures continuous production flow in assigned areas to achieve planned output (water-spider activity).
• Provides coaching and facilitates training to support employee development and performance improvement.
• Serves as the primary 5S zone owner, responsible for implementing, maintaining, and improving 5S standards in assigned areas.
• Assists with the development, documentation, and adherence to standard work procedures.
• Conducts audits (safety, 5S, standard work, etc.) and ensures timely completion of corrective actions.
• Participates in daily Tier-2 meetings to support communication and alignment of departmental objectives.
• Collaborates with management and supervisory personnel regarding work performance, production flow, and operational constraints.
• Utilizes company software (Epicor) as required to record material usage and movement.
• Sets up and operates welding equipment efficiently and in accordance with safety and quality standards.
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance on manufacturing equipment as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrates experience working with blueprints, engineering drawings, and other technical specifications.
• Possesses strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and production operations.
• Applies quality measurement tools effectively to ensure product compliance and accuracy.
• Follows written and verbal instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Exhibits a positive attitude and strong teamwork orientation.
• Promotes a cooperative and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrates basic computer proficiency and the ability to learn new systems and software.

Education and/or Experience                                                

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of related manufacturing or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to follow instructions, provide direction, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Language SkillsStrong communication and interpersonal skills.  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policies and procedures, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. 

Mathematical SkillsAbility to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 

Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. In addition to the lifting the job requires various carrying, pushing/pulling, kneeling, crawling and squatting.

Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job is required to be performed inside and outdoors exposed to all sort of weather elements including hot, humid, dry dusty and cold conditions both inside and outside.  Noise level is moderate for this position.