Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer – Planning Senior Engineer, Paint Production

This Manufacturing Engineer position serves as a Planning Senior Engineer within a Production Engineering Paint Department, focusing on the evaluation, planning, and deployment of automation robots and expansion projects for North American plants. The role centers on process and layout design, equipment specification, standardization across facilities, and lead time reduction, supporting new vehicle projects, refurbishment initiatives, and equipment life cycle management.

You will develop and implement strategies for equipment deployment, become an expert in paint shop technologies and systems, and provide clear communication of project status and key performance indicators to cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate equipment project proposals, including detailed process and equipment capability assessments for paint shop operations.
• Plan and lead automation robot projects and expansion initiatives, ensuring alignment with manufacturing requirements and production targets.
• Develop strategies and lead implementation for North American equipment deployment and standardization projects across multiple plants.
• Design and optimize paint shop process layouts, focusing on efficient materials handling, throughput, and safety.
• Create and maintain equipment specifications that ensure CoHE compliance and cross-NAM standardization.
• Develop and refine standards, RJs, and technical guidelines for new technologies and equipment specifications.
• Lead equipment specification and development processes from concept through implementation and validation.
• Prepare clear presentations and reports to communicate project status, risks, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to stakeholders.
• Support conveyor and paint-line projects, including planning, technical review, and coordination with internal and external partners.
• Create, review, and update technical documentation and inspection reports related to equipment and systems.
• Participate in on-site inspections and perform quality checks on equipment installations and modifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, and controls engineering, to achieve project goals and resolve issues.
• Identify project constraints and develop effective countermeasures to maintain schedules, budgets, and performance targets.
• Apply manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and process improvement methodologies to enhance equipment performance and reliability.
• Utilize CAD and modeling tools (including AutoCAD) to support layout design, equipment modeling, and documentation.
• Support equipment life cycle management, including refurbishment planning and long-term capacity and capability considerations.
• Contribute to capital expenditure (capex) projects by defining technical scope, specifications, and justification documents.
• Engage in troubleshooting of equipment, controls, and robotics systems to support stable operations and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent experience in an engineering or technical role.
• Experience with CAD or similar modeling software, including familiarity with AutoCAD for layout design and equipment modeling.
• Experience with specification development for manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Experience creating A3 or similar documentation for equipment procurement and project justification.
• Ability to identify project constraints and develop effective countermeasures to maintain project performance.
• Minimum of 2 years of project management experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Foundational knowledge of PLCs and controls, with PLC experience considered a strong asset.
• Practical experience in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or process engineering.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes and equipment in an industrial environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for documentation and presentations.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting and problem-solving related to equipment and processes.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical information clearly.
• Capability to work both in an office setting and on the shop floor, including on-site equipment inspections and quality checks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in robotics and automation, including robot programming and integration.
• Experience with major industrial robot brands such as Kawasaki and FANUC.
• Mechanical design experience, including proficiency with Solid Works or similar mechanical design tools.
• Experience in process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies within manufacturing environments.
• Background in capital expenditure (capex) projects, including planning, justification, and execution.
• Experience with conveyor systems and knowledge of conveyor design and operation.
• MSRC and/or machine risk analysis…