Manufacturing Engineer (Paint)

Summit Polymers; Kalamazoo, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Polymers in Kalamazoo, MI seeks an Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint) to lead hands-on robotic painting and the manufacture of automotive interior trim parts, delivering operational excellence daily.

You will develop ABB/Fanuc 6-axis paint programs, optimize 1K/2K systems, and collaborate with suppliers to ensure quality, efficiency, and safe production. You’ll also drive continuous improvements and support maintenance planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field or 5+ years in automotive paint environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and tune ABB/Fanuc 6-axis robot paint programs to meet specs.
• Create paint processes for 1K and 2K systems and optimize cycle time and waste.
• Collaborate with suppliers to design paint racks and optimize coverage.
• Lead cross-functional teams on continuous improvement and 5-Why root-cause analysis.
• Conduct daily process audits and support maintenance for paint spray equipment.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ABB/Fanuc 6-axis robotics

Paint systems 1K/2K

PLC programming

Lean manufacturing

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint) FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing)

SUMMARY

This is hands-on technical work involving the robotic painting and manufacture of injection molded plastic parts for automotive interior trim. Provide technical support and leadership to manufacturing production teams with a focus on operational excellence each and every day.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks:

• Responsible for all paint-related activities associated with new product launches including:
  • Developing efficient and robust programs using 6 axis paint robots (ABB or Fanuc) to meet customer specs, maximize paint transfer efficiency, and maximize production throughput.
  • Developing paint processes for 1K and 2K waterborne and solvent borne paint systems using automatic spray gun applicators.
  • Working with external suppliers to develop paint racks that present parts to the robots in a manner that allows for optimum paint coverage while minimizing cycle time and paint waste.
  • Evaluating paint rack designs to ensure parts can be loaded and unloaded efficiently while ensuring operators are able to work safely and ergonomically.
  • Working with paint suppliers to ensure their products allow us to meet our customer’s requirements for dry film thickness, color, and gloss.
  • Working with packaging suppliers to develop internal WIP packaging that ensures safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations.
  • Writing standardized work instructions that are used to ensure that all operators perform tasks utilizing best practices each and every time the task is performed.
  • Analyze paint usage and cycle times to ensure that we will be able to meet customer demands while maintaining regulatory emissions compliance.
  • Continue to monitor and improve the above tasks throughout the production life of the program.
• Support production teams with the daily operation of paint spray booths, robot programs, and paint processes.
  • Troubleshoot process or equipment-related problems and provide solutions in a timely manner.
• Lead cross-functional teams in scrap reduction and continuous improvement activities focused on root-cause problem solving using 5-Why methodology.
  • Document lessons learned and share results of activities with peers company-wide.
• Conduct daily process audits to ensure standardized work compliance.
• Work with maintenance personnel to develop appropriate PM schedules for paint spray equipment to improve operational reliability.
• Put together proposals to procure new equipment for capital investment or cost saving opportunities.
• Investigate new opportunities to automate existing operations via PLC programming to improve consistency of results while reducing labor burden.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing or paint coatings environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Preferred experienced in
  • Previous automotive class A painting experience
  • Programming using 6 axis ABB or Fanuc paint robots
  • Knowledge of various 1K and 2K paint systems (basecoat/clearcoat experience a plus)
  • Experience with paint spray processing
  • Knowledge of 2K mixing equipment (ABB integrated fluid delivery & IPS systems a plus)
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
  • Design and layout of paint spray booths and systems
  • PLC programming knowledge a plus (Allen Bradley preferred)
  • Knowledge of various thermal curing methods including IR and convection (UV cure a plus)
  • Surface preparation techniques including flame treatment and CO2 cleaning

Knowledge of paint chemistry and the ability to work with paint suppliers on usage optimization, formulation compatibility, paint performance, and quality problems.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.

• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does require less than 5% travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.