Manufacturing Engineer

Guided Search Partners; Tennessee; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An executive search firm is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for a newly created role in Tennessee. This position involves monitoring paint line performance through KPI tracking, analyzing defects, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills, be hands-on in a manufacturing setting, and be able to communicate insights effectively. Automotive and paint line experience are beneficial but not required. This role is pivotal for enhancing quality and efficiency on the paint line.

Qualifications

• Experience with data management and reporting in manufacturing.
• Hands-on and comfortable in a production environment.
• Experience with paint line and automotive processes.

Responsibilities

• Track and report paint line KPIs.
• Analyze scrap and defect trends.
• Lead PDCA cycles to eliminate chronic issues.
• Monitor downtime and deliver actionable insights.
• Partner cross-functionally to improve quality.

Skills

Data management/reporting

Problem-solving methodologies

KPI tracking

Continuous improvement

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

DMAIC

Six Sigma

Job description

Guided Search Partners (GSP)

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships. We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a global supplier serving Automotive OEM customers with Tier 1 injection molded, painted exterior components. This newly created Manufacturing Engineer role exists to support a state-of-the-art paint line in Tennessee.

This is a great fit for a manufacturing engineer who loves turning data into action—tracking performance, digging into defects, and running structured problem‑solving to improve quality and uptime. Paint experience is a plus, not a requirement. Automotive experience is helpful, but not mandatory.

What You’ll Do

• Track and report paint line KPIs and prepare daily updates for morning meetings.
• Analyze scrap and defect trends (top defects), run root cause, and drive corrective actions.
• Lead PDCA cycles and use structured methods (DMAIC/8D/Red X/Six Sigma tools) to eliminate chronic issues.
• Monitor downtime and deliver actionable insights to improve performance.
• Improve data accuracy by identifying gaps in entry/reporting and standardizing the process.
• Support production labeling processes and training to protect inventory accuracy.
• Partner cross-functionally (including a Defect Analyst) to reduce risk and improve quality.
• Help implement automated, real‑time data collection for the paint line.

Who You Are

• A true manufacturing engineer—hands‑on, analytical, and comfortable in a production environment.
• Strong in root cause and corrective action; you don’t stop at symptoms.
• Clear communicator who can translate data into priorities and follow‑through.
• Continuous improvement minded and energized by building something new.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Experience with data management/reporting and KPI tracking in manufacturing.
• Experience using problem‑solving methodologies (DMAIC, 8D, Red X, Six Sigma tools; Black Belt is a plus).
• Knowledge of lean/continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred).
• Automotive, paint line, and/or automation software experience (nice to have).

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to making the new paint line perform at a high level—reducing defects, improving uptime, and driving daily execution through data and disciplined problem‑solving. You’ll work closely with the Paint Department Manager and influence results quickly.