Process Engineer Jobs in Lansing, MI (NOW HIRING)

This Process Engineer – Paint Shop Technical Support role focuses on maintaining and optimizing paint shop equipment and processes from the exit of the body shop through shipment to general assembly. You will act as a hands-on problem solver who supports production, enhances quality, and improves equipment efficiency in a fast-paced automotive environment. The role involves working with robotic and automated systems, conducting trials to resolve quality issues, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in safety, sustainability, cost, and performance. You must be able to work any shift and overtime as needed to support production demands.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain paint shop systems from the exit of the body shop through shipment of finished vehicles to general assembly.
• Oversee, operate, and optimize robotic applications throughout the paint shop to support consistent, high-quality production.
• Edit and adjust the programming of manufacturing technologies, including robots and related automated systems, to improve performance and resolve issues.
• Analyze products, processes, and technologies to develop best methods for painting and assembling vehicles while protecting people, equipment, and the manufacturing process.
• Troubleshoot paint shop processes and specialized equipment in partnership with production and maintenance personnel to minimize downtime and defects.
• Identify, recommend, and validate improvements to existing processes with a focus on sustainability, quality, and cost reduction.
• Conduct and support production aid tooling trials to enhance program and project management outcomes.
• Support the lead engineer during commissioning of equipment upgrades, ensuring proper installation, integration, and performance.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to reduce energy consumption and waste within the paint shop.
• Conduct trials and experiments, analyze results using appropriate methods, and implement solutions that enhance equipment efficiency and maintain high quality standards.
• Provide technical support on controls, PLCs, and robotics to ensure stable and reliable operation of paint shop automation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with lean manufacturing principles in the paint shop environment.
• Adapt to working any shift and overtime as required to support production and technical needs.

• Manufacturing engineering experience with a focus on process engineering, process improvement, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in a manufacturing process environment, preferably automotive, supporting production and technical operations.
• 3 years of experience working in an automotive manufacturing environment in a technical position, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology in Automation, Automotive, Chemical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Robotics from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to work any shift as required by production schedules.
• Ability to work overtime to support operational and technical needs.
• Hands-on experience with lean manufacturing principles applied in a production environment.
• Experience working in a paint shop, including exposure to automotive paint processes.
• Controls experience in software and hardware programming, development, or execution related to manufacturing systems.
• PLC experience supporting, programming, or troubleshooting automated equipment.
• Robotics experience, including working with Fanuc robots or similar industrial robotic systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot paint shop processes and specialized equipment in coordination with production and maintenance teams.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate product, process, and technology performance and develop effective solutions.
• Knowledge of statistical methods as applied to experimental design and process development.

• Experience developing tools, equipment, or processes such as production layouts to improve flow and efficiency.
• Experience with automation or automated equipment such as conveyance systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with automotive paint processes in a fast-paced production setting.
• Familiarity with commissioning equipment upgrades and collaborating with lead engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Exposure to sustainability initiatives focused on reducing energy usage and waste in manufacturing operations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including production, maintenance, engineering, and quality.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a hands-on approach to resolving equipment and process issues.
• Comfort working in a highly automated environment with robotics, PLCs, and manufacturing technology.

This role is based on the plant floor in the paint shop within an automotive manufacturing facility. You will work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment that involves close interaction with automated equipment, robotics, conveyance systems, and paint application processes. The position requires flexibility to work any shift and overtime to support production and technical needs. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including safety glasses, steel toe boots, and paint suits when necessary due to paint and chemical exposure. The environment emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to maintain high quality standards, reduce energy usage, and minimize waste.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lansing, MI.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lansing,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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