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Paint Process Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Paint Technician

Clarksville, TN

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Responsible for identifying and implementing process line and field defect analysis and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related degree. Must also ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$59K - $77K/yr

About the Role The Manufacturing Engineer develops, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods ... Applying knowledge of design, materials, fabrication, welding, paint processes, tooling, and ...

Responsible for identifying and implementing process line and field defect analysis and ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related degree. Must also ...

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Chief Engineer. SUPERVISES: N/A. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Paint shop, interior and exterior of building ... Compute basic mathematical calculations (add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers in processing ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Lexington, TN

$55K - $71K/yr

... and Painting processes for large power generation alternators. We are currently seeking a ... The Manufacturing Engineer's primary responsibility is to optimize machinery utilization and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Lexington, TN · On-site

$55K - $71K/yr

... and Painting processes for large power generation alternators. We are currently seeking a ... The Manufacturing Engineer's primary responsibility is to optimize machinery utilization and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Lexington, TN

$55K - $71K/yr

... and Painting processes for large power generation alternators. We are currently seeking a ... The Manufacturing Engineer's primary responsibility is to optimize machinery utilization and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Lexington, TN · On-site

$55K - $71K/yr

... and Painting processes for large power generation alternators. We are currently seeking a ... The Manufacturing Engineer's primary responsibility is to optimize machinery utilization and ...

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Paint Process Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$27

$38

$50

How much do paint process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint process engineer in Tennessee is $38.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.04 and $41.68 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 are popular job titles related to Paint Process Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Paint Process Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Paint Process Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Paint Process Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Process Engineer jobs in TN? For Paint Process Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Paint Process Engineer job openings in Tennessee 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 $79,733 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations)

Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG

Greeneville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Huf NA, Greeneville (TN) I United States (US)
Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations)
We are a leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronic locking systems as well as car access and authorization systems for the global automotive industry. Founded in 1908 in Velbert, Germany, we are an independent, family-owned company with around 7,500 employees at locations in Europe, America and Asia and achieved sales of more than EUR 1.2 billion in the financial year 2023.
Your Role
  • Lead the automated paint process for our Greeneville plant and own the journey from stability to excellence. You will manage a 10-person engineering/technical team across three shifts, drive defect reduction, and lock in standard work to deliver world-class finish quality and throughput
  • Own all critical paint parameters (airflow/ Air Makeup Units (AMU), booth conditions/cleanliness/ color position/ film build) and keep the process in control
  • Cut top defects - using Design of Experiments (DOE) and confirmation runs; lock results into recipes and standard work
  • Optimize and standardize robot programs (gun angles, paths, Z-moves) for uniform film build and cycle-time efficiency
  • Implement and audit daily one-page checks and startup procedures; ensure effective escalation and rapid issue closure across shifts
  • Lead Kaizen, 5 Whys, and Ishikawa problem solving to move First Time Quality (FTQ), Net Equipment Effectiveness (NEE), and scrap cost in the right direction
  • Develop, coach, and schedule a three-shift team to sustain improvements and enable reliable launches and changeovers

Your Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, materials, manufacturing or related field or equivalent experience
  • 8+ years in automated paint systems with 3+ years leading multi-shift teams
  • Hands-on success with Design of Experiments (DOE) driven improvements and defect reduction in automated paint (plastics/automotive preferred)
  • Proficiency with robot paint applications and process optimization (angles, paths, singularity avoidance, confirmation runs)
  • Strong Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) Control Plan, Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP)/ Product Part Approval Process (PPAP) knowledge; experience with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) paint standards a plus
  • Lean/Continuous Improvement (CI) toolkit (Kaizen, 5 Whys, Ishikawa) and data-first mindset; SAP software experience is a plus

What we offer
  • Competitive pay with performance bonus potential
  • Full comprehensive health insurance, dental, vision, flexible spending account
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off

Huf celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp.
Michelle Myers