Automotive Paint Materials Engineer

Hired; Lincoln (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx coverage

401(k) plan with company matching

Paid overtime and annual bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America in Lincoln, AL seeks an Automotive Paint Materials Engineer to lead paint material testing, evaluate formulated coatings, and optimize electrodeposition and clearcoat processes for world-class finish quality.

You will verify new formulations through lab testing and line trials, investigate defects, and implement countermeasures while ensuring compliance with Honda standards and SQCDME.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering (or 6 years equivalent).
• Demonstrated color acuity; must pass Munsell color acuity test.
• Background in industrial coatings, paint chemistry, or automotive finishing processes.
• Ability to interpret chemical specifications, MSDS, and technical testing standards.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset and hands-on laboratory testing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate advanced paint testing instrumentation to evaluate viscosity, adhesion, film build, and cure.
• Assess existing paint materials and shop process constraints to prepare for new formulated chemical products.
• Verify new automotive paint formulations through lab testing, visual inspection, and line trials.
• Conduct root cause investigations on paint defects (orange peel, craters, runs) and implement countermeasures.
• Establish and maintain process controls ensuring paint compliance with Honda global standards and SQCDME.

Skills

Color vision

Lab testing

Coatings & paint chemistry

Process improvement

Interpret technical specs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Paint testing instrumentation

Job description

• Job Title: Automotive Paint Materials Engineer
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Location: Lincoln, AL, United States

About the Role:

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America is seeking an Automotive Paint Materials Engineer in Lincoln, AL. You will lead paint material testing, evaluate formulated chemical coatings, and optimize electrodeposition and clearcoat processes to achieve world-class vehicle finish quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate advanced paint testing instrumentation to evaluate viscosity, adhesion, film build, and cure.
• Assess existing paint materials and shop process constraints to prepare for new formulated chemical products.
• Verify new automotive paint formulations through lab testing, visual inspection, and line trials.
• Conduct root cause investigations on paint defects (orange peel, craters, runs) and implement countermeasures.
• Establish and maintain process controls ensuring paint compliance with Honda global standards and SQCDME.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering (or 6 years equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated visual color acuity (must pass Munsell color acuity test).
• Background in industrial coatings, paint chemistry, or automotive finishing processes.
• Ability to interpret chemical specifications, material safety data, and technical testing standards.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset and hands-on laboratory testing capabilities.

What We Offer:

• Industry-leading total rewards: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company matching and retirement contributions.
• Paid overtime, annual performance bonuses, paid vacation, and plant shutdowns.
• Professional development and materials engineering career opportunities.