Manufacturing Engineer - Paint

Summit Polymers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Polymers in Portage, Michigan is seeking an Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint) to lead robotic painting and technical support in automotive parts production. This role emphasizes the development of efficient painting processes using the latest technology.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or five years of relevant experience, with proficiency in various paint systems and lean manufacturing principles.

The position involves minimal travel and focuses on safety and operational excellence within the manufacturing team.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in automotive manufacturing or paint coatings acceptable in lieu of a degree.
• Preferred automotive class A painting experience.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize paint programs using 6-axis robots.
• Support daily operation of paint processes.
• Lead cross-functional teams in continuous improvement.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Experience with 6-axis ABB or Fanuc paint robots

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

PLC programming

Job description

Summit Polymers

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

Join a team where you’ll be challenged and valued.

A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don’t just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We’re always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service, and quality.

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

• 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 a 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 experience 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.