Intern: Paint Process; Fall

What You Will Do

• Support the optimization of automotive paint color groups to achieve improved appearance quality at lower film build targets.
• Assist in evaluating the relationship between film thickness, color position, and overall appearance performance across various paint colors, including metallic and other effect colors.
• Collect, record, and analyze appearance data using Byk Gardner measurement equipment.
• Participate in spray application trials to assess the impact of process parameters such as flow rates, bell speed, shaping air, and paint rheology on film build consistency and appearance.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary paint overbuild while maintaining or improving appearance standards.
• Investigate how paint material properties and spray settings influence transfer efficiency and final coating performance.
• Support studies evaluating the effects of topcoat oven parameters on final paint appearance.
• Analyze test results and summarize findings to help identify colors that perform well under optimized process conditions.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives by documenting observations, maintaining accurate records, and presenting recommendations to the project team.
• Gain hands‑on experience with paint application technology, appearance measurement methods, and manufacturing process optimization in a research and development environment.

• Minimum
  
  Education Requirements:
  
  Applicants must be pursuing a Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering degree at an accredited school and have completed 30 semester hours prior to the start of the intern program.
• Minimum GPA of 2.75.
• Fall interns may work up to 30 hours per week.
• Required skills and knowledge:
  Computer Programming, Microsoft Office, and Applied Statistics.
• Anticipated project start and completion date: 08/17/26 – 12/11/26.

• Record appearance data using Byk Gardner equipment.
• Study the influence of topcoat oven parameters on paint appearance.
• Organize and document appearance measurement results for selected process conditions.
• Support analysis of relationships between process settings and appearance outcomes.
• Help identify process windows that improve appearance consistency and quality.
• Prepare a summary of findings for the paint process engineering team.

• Appearance data / film build collection log.
• Summary of spray setting and topcoat oven parameter findings.
• Recommendation summary for process optimization.
• Final presentation outlining internship findings.

For all intern and co‑op positions, the hourly rate range is $17.00 – $46.00, determined by factors such as geographic location, academic classification, and area of study. We promote pay equity and consider internal equity when making offers.

• Housing assistance, when applicable.
• Countless career opportunities / internal mobility across our global organization.
• Training and personal development.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.