Paint Engineer - Automotive Manufacturing
Job Description
Job DescriptionPaint Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing
Location: Multiple U.S. Automotive Manufacturing Facilities
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate
Schedule: Overtime may be required based on project demand
Travel: 10–25% domestic & international depending on project
About CrossSafety
CrossSafety provides engineering and technical professionals to support large-scale automotive manufacturing, battery production, and new model launch programs across North America. We partner with industry‑leading OEMs to deliver safe, efficient, and high‑quality project execution.
Our clients seeking support are often looking to fill positions quickly and in multiple locations across the United States. As such we intend on developing a pool of interested and eligible candidates who can be utilized when our clients make their requests.
We are seeking Manufacturing Project Engineers to support various production engineering teams, including battery manufacturing, process engineering, equipment installation, new model development, and paint/vehicle manufacturing systems.
About the Role
Paint Project Engineers support process integrity, equipment readiness, material performance, and ongoing improvement initiatives within high‑volume automotive paint departments.
This position is ideal for engineers who excel in fast‑paced, hands‑on environments and who can manage technical assignments from root‑cause investigation through countermeasure implementation. Projects may include new material introductions, circulation system improvements, paint process optimization, equipment refurbishments, or new system installs.
Engineers will work closely with production leaders, maintenance teams, suppliers, robotics specialists, and cross‑functional groups to ensure safety, quality, and throughput targets are consistently achieved.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Process Development
- Provide daily process support to maintain vehicle and process integrity
- Lead quality, material, cost, productivity, safety, and equipment improvement initiatives
- Lead new material introduction activities to ensure no negative KPI impact
- Investigate process or equipment concerns using structured problem‑solving methodologies
- Interpret and review paint system drawings, paint circulation schematics, and equipment specifications
Project Management
- Lead and support change management, including equipment installation or refurbishment projects
- Develop project proposals, operating plans, strategies, and ringi documents
- Coordinate cross‑department investigations and communicate root cause, countermeasures, and solutions to management
- Support kaizen activities initiated by production while protecting key KPIs
Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
- Conduct root-cause analysis and implement countermeasures
- Summarize KPIs and support handover to production teams
- Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (PDCA, 5‑Why, DMAIC)
Manufacturing Support
- Support production issue resolution, equipment efficiency improvements, and quality countermeasures
- Participate in advanced cleanliness protocols when working in battery or clean‑room environments
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all engineering work aligns with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
- Follow all PPE requirements: steel-toe footwear, safety glasses, protective headwear (and additional PPE as required) provided per site guidelines
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (mechanical, industrial, electrical, manufacturing, chemical, or similar)
- Experience in an automotive manufacturing environment, specifically within paint operations
- 2–8+ years of engineering or project management experience in manufacturing
- Experience supporting capital projects, equipment installation, or production preparation
- Ability to read and interpret 2D/3D drawings, facility layouts, and equipment documentation
- Strong problem-solving mindset using structured methods (PDCA, 5-Why, DMAIC, etc.)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Project, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and shutdown periods based on project needs
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally, if required (vendor trials, supplier visits, training)
- Must follow all PPE requirements of the site including steel-toe footwear, safety glasses, protective headwear and any additional PPE as required
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Manufacturing Engineering
- CAD experience (AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar) including ability to read, interpret, and modify drawings
- Experience with PLC programming (Ladder Logic) including troubleshooting and making minor programming changes
- Exposure to equipment installation, commissioning, or paint process upgrades
- Familiarity with North American manufacturing safety standards
- Six Sigma, Lean, or related engineering certifications
Why Join CrossSafety
- Grow your technical and leadership skills alongside an established and expanding professional consulting firm
- Join a team of over 150 supportive and safety-focused professionals including Industrial Hygienists, Ergonomists, Safety Engineers, Construction Safety Specialists, and industry-leading engineering teams
- Advance your career by working Fortune 500 companies and in dynamic environments where your leadership truly matters
- Contribute to high-impact industrial and construction projects across the United States
Equal Opportunity Employer
CrossSafety fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available upon request.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.