1

Paint Process Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer

Jackson, TN · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Project Engineer - Paint Booth Construction & Modifications Position Summary K&K is seeking a hands ... Automotive paint process experience. * Paint booth or controlled environment experience.

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 ...

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

$16.25 - $22.25/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 ...

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 ...

Painter

Memphis, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/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 · 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Paint Process Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$27

$38

$50

How much do paint process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own and continuously improve the automated paint process to ensure process stability, quality, and cost performance.

  • Develop and implement robust paint processes using data-driven methods such as DOE and root cause analysis to eliminate variation and defects.

  • Lead and develop a multi-shift technical team to act as process owners and drive systematic waste reduction and process control.


Job description

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 1.2billion in the financial year 2023.

Your Role (TPS Mindset)

Own and continuously improve the automated paint process by building stable, repeatable, and waste-free operations. This role is responsible for developing robust paint processes, eliminating variation, and leading a team to achieve world‑class quality, flow, and cost performance.

We are looking for a proven paint process leader who not only understands the technology, but takes ownership, drives problem solving at the root cause, and builds sustainable systems that perform without firefighting.

  • Own process stability first, then improvementEstablish and maintain a fully controlled paint process (Air Make‑Up Unit (AMU), airflow, booth conditions, film build, color position) with clear standards and visual management
  • Develop robust processes—not temporary fixesUse Design of Experiments (DOE), confirmation runs, and data‑driven decision making to eliminate variation and permanently reduce defects
  • Lead with Toyota Production System (TPS) problem solving disciplineDrive 5 Whys, Ishikawa, and Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act (PDCA) to address root causes—not symptoms. Ensure countermeasures are sustained through standard work
  • Standardize and sustain excellenceDefine, implement, and audit standard work, startup checks, and daily management routines across all shifts
  • Optimize automation for consistency and flowImprove robot programs (paths, angles, Z‑moves) to ensure uniform film build, repeatability, and cycle efficiency
  • Build people capability and ownershipLead and develop a multi‑shift technical team to think and act as process owners—not firefighters
  • Drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) performanceImprove First Time Quality (FTQ), Net Equipment Effectiveness (NEE), and cost through systematic waste reduction and process control.
Your Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, materials, manufacturing or related field or equivalent experience
  • Deep automotive paint expertise8+ years in automated paint systems (plastics preferred)Proven track record of developing and stabilizing paint processes
  • Leadership with ownership mindsetExperience leading multi‑shift teamsSelf‑motivated, accountable, and drives results without escalation
  • Strong problem solver (not trial‑and‑error)Hands‑on with DOE, root cause analysis, and process validationFocus on sustainable countermeasures
  • Technical masteryRobot paint application optimization (paths, angles, coverage)Understanding of material behavior, film build, and environmental impact
  • Quality system knowledgePFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, PPAPExperience with OEM paint standards
  • Lean / TPS mindsetDemonstrated ability to create standardized, visual, and stable processesFocus on eliminating waste and variation
What we offer
  • Stable, controlled paint process with clear standards and minimal variation
  • Measurable reduction in top defects and scrap cost
  • Improved FTQ and NEE performance
  • A team that owns the process and solves problems at the root cause
  • Sustainable systems in place—not dependence on individuals
  • Competitive pay
  • 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr