Manufacturing Engineer

Guided Search Partners (GSP)

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships. We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

We’re partnering with a global supplier serving Automotive OEM customers with Tier 1 injection molded, painted exterior components. This newly created Manufacturing Engineer role exists to support a state-of-the-art paint line in Tennessee.

This is a great fit for a manufacturing engineer who loves turning data into action—tracking performance, digging into defects, and running structured problem‑solving to improve quality and uptime. Paint experience is a plus, not a requirement. Automotive experience is helpful, but not mandatory.

• Track and report paint line KPIs and prepare daily updates for morning meetings.
• Analyze scrap and defect trends (top defects), run root cause, and drive corrective actions.
• Lead PDCA cycles and use structured methods (DMAIC/8D/Red X/Six Sigma tools) to eliminate chronic issues.
• Monitor downtime and deliver actionable insights to improve performance.
• Improve data accuracy by identifying gaps in entry/reporting and standardizing the process.
• Support production labeling processes and training to protect inventory accuracy.
• Partner cross-functionally (including a Defect Analyst) to reduce risk and improve quality.
• Help implement automated, real‑time data collection for the paint line.

• A true manufacturing engineer—hands‑on, analytical, and comfortable in a production environment.
• Strong in root cause and corrective action; you don’t stop at symptoms.
• Clear communicator who can translate data into priorities and follow‑through.
• Continuous improvement minded and energized by building something new.

• Experience with data management/reporting and KPI tracking in manufacturing.
• Experience using problem‑solving methodologies (DMAIC, 8D, Red X, Six Sigma tools; Black Belt is a plus).
• Knowledge of lean/continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred).
• Automotive, paint line, and/or automation software experience (nice to have).

This role is central to making the new paint line perform at a high level—reducing defects, improving uptime, and driving daily execution through data and disciplined problem‑solving. You’ll work closely with the Paint Department Manager and influence results quickly.