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Paint Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paint Engineer

Hartford, WI · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Role SummaryA Paint Engineer with a metal fabrication emphasis is responsible for designing ... Coating Process EngineeringDevelop and optimize powder coating, liquid paint, e‑coat, or ...

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Strong understanding of paint application processes, especially topcoat. * Project management ... Background in Chemical Engineering or Materials Engineering. * Pure laboratory or R&D roles without ...

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Improve the design and process control of the paint department operations. * Equipment and control ... Technical support to all Production and Engineering operations for improvement programs.

JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint) FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering ... Developing paint processes for 1K and 2K waterborne and solvent borne paint systems using automatic ...

Paint Technician

Fowlerville, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Work with Paint Supervisor and Process Engineer on process and engineering changes. * Participate in Corrective Action Plan development, implementation and follow-up as quality problems occur.

Paint Technician

Fowlerville, MI

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Work with Paint Supervisor and Process Engineer on process and engineering changes. * Participate in Corrective Action Plan development, implementation and follow-up as quality problems occur.

Follows, stabilises and optimises paint processes and results * Participates in new product ... May program robots or lead paint robots programmers * Put in place effective visual management ...

Paint Technician

Fowlerville, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Work with Paint Supervisor and Process Engineer on process and engineering changes. * Participate in Corrective Action Plan development, implementation and follow-up as quality problems occur.

Paint Technician

Fowlerville, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Work with Paint Supervisor and Process Engineer on process and engineering changes. * Participate in Corrective Action Plan development, implementation and follow-up as quality problems occur.

Coordinates and participates in continuous improvement processes. Administers and participates in ... Level I * Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field including minimum one year paint ...

Coordinates and participates in continuous improvement processes. Administers and participates in ... Level I * Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field including minimum one year paint ...

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Paint Process Engineer information

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$30

$42

$55

How much do paint process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for paint process engineer in the United States is $42.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.50 and $45.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced skills, a strong track record, and sometimes work in high-demand industries or locations with a high cost of living.

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 designs, develops, and optimizes painting procedures and equipment to ensure high-quality coatings and efficient production. They analyze process performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements, often using tools like statistical analysis and process control. The role requires knowledge of materials, safety standards, and sometimes certifications in manufacturing or quality management.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A highly experienced and senior-level Paint Process Engineer in the manufacturing or automotive industries can potentially earn $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, profit sharing, or executive-level responsibilities. Such roles typically require advanced skills in process optimization, automation, and quality control, along with extensive industry experience and sometimes managerial or leadership duties.
What cities are hiring for Paint Process Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Paint Process Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Paint Process Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Paint Process Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Paint Process Engineer jobs? For Paint Process Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Paint Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,849 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint)

Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint)

Summit Polymer

Elizabethtown, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Summit Polymers rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 79 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.
JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU'LL BE CHALLENGED AND valued.
A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don't just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We're always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint) FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)
SUMMARY
This is hands-on technical work involving the robotic painting and manufacture of injection molded plastic parts for automotive interior trim. Provide technical support and leadership to manufacturing production teams with a focus on operational excellence each and every day.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks:
  • Responsible for all paint-related activities associated with new product launches including:
    • Developing efficient and robust programs using 6 axis paint robots (ABB or Fanuc) to meet customer specs, maximize paint transfer efficiency, and maximize production throughput.
    • Developing paint processes for 1K and 2K waterborne and solvent borne paint systems using automatic spray gun applicators.
    • Working with external suppliers to develop paint racks that present parts to the robots in a manner that allows for optimum paint coverage while minimizing cycle time and paint waste.
    • Evaluating paint rack designs to ensure parts can be loaded and unloaded efficiently while ensuring operators are able to work safely and ergonomically.
    • Working with paint suppliers to ensure their products allow us to meet our customer's requirements for dry film thickness, color, and gloss.
    • Working with packaging suppliers to develop internal WIP packaging that ensures safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations.
    • Writing standardized work instructions that are used to ensure that all operators perform tasks utilizing best practices each and every time the task is performed.
    • Analyze paint usage and cycle times to ensure that we will be able to meet customer demands while maintaining regulatory emissions compliance.
    • Continue to monitor and improve the above tasks throughout the production life of the program.
  • Support production teams with the daily operation of paint spray booths, robot programs, and paint processes.
    • Troubleshoot process or equipment-related problems and provide solutions in a timely manner.
  • Lead cross-functional teams in scrap reduction and continuous improvement activities focused on root-cause problem solving using 5-Why methodology.
    • Document lessons learned and share results of activities with peers company-wide.
  • Conduct daily process audits to ensure standardized work compliance.
  • Work with maintenance personnel to develop appropriate PM schedules for paint spray equipment to improve operational reliability.
  • Put together proposals to procure new equipment for capital investment or cost saving opportunities.
  • Investigate new opportunities to automate existing operations via PLC programming to improve consistency of results while reducing labor burden.
  • Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing or paint coatings environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite - Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Preferred experienced in
    • Previous automotive class A painting experience
    • Programming using 6 axis ABB or Fanuc paint robots
    • Knowledge of various 1K and 2K paint systems (basecoat/clearcoat experience a plus)
    • Experience with paint spray processing
    • Knowledge of 2K mixing equipment (ABB integrated fluid delivery & IPS systems a plus)
    • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
    • Design and layout of paint spray booths and systems
    • PLC programming knowledge a plus (Allen Bradley preferred)
    • Knowledge of various thermal curing methods including IR and convection (UV cure a plus)
    • Surface preparation techniques including flame treatment and CO2 cleaning

Knowledge of paint chemistry and the ability to work with paint suppliers on usage optimization, formulation compatibility, paint performance, and quality problems.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.
  • A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
This position typically does require less than 5% travel.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

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