Manufacturing Engineer; Paint

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint)
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)

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.

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.

• 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…