Technical Lead – Paint Auto Finesse

Responsibilities

• Lead Automated Defect Detection and Automated Finesse projects for new paint shops, from early concept and process studies through installation, commissioning, and launch
• Define system requirements, develop SORs, and support sourcing and supplier selection
• Partner with plant teams and suppliers to ensure systems achieve quality, safety, and performance targets
• Support resident engineers and execution teams with implementation of Automated Finesse and Automated Defect Detection systems in existing paint shops
• Troubleshoot technical issues on existing installations and work with plant teams to identify root causes and prevent repeat failures
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to increase uptime, quality, and repair efficiency
• Collect and analyze plant and trial data to identify gaps, trends, and improvement opportunities
• Coordinate with suppliers on new technologies, testing, and validation activities
• Travel to plants and supplier sites to support installations, trials, launch activities, and problem-solving
• Identify opportunities to expand Automated Finesse capabilities and improve defect detection and repair performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
• Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, preferably in paint operations, automation, or both
• Experience leading technical projects from concept through launch
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and work independently with limited direction
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing or plant environment
• Comfortable working hands‑on with equipment, robots, and production systems
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with plant teams, suppliers, and cross‑functional partners
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to travel to plants and supplier sites as needed; travel is expected to be higher during the first year while learning the systems, then approximately 25% thereafter
• Experience with automated defect detection, robotic repair, or similar advanced paint technologies (preferred)
• Experience with AI‑based systems used to train and identify defects (preferred)
• Background working with vision systems, robotics, or automation in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
• Experience supporting or developing new technology through trials, testing, and validation (preferred)
• Familiarity with paint shop processes, defect detection, and paint surface quality (preferred).