Paint Process Engineer — Kaizen, 5S & Defect Reduction

Rivian; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Rivian is seeking a Paint Process Engineer to optimize the paint shop’s manual and automated processes in Normal, IL. You will lead defect reduction, SOP maintenance, and Kaizen initiatives to improve safety and finish quality.

You will partner with maintenance, technicians, and external contractors to ensure consistent sealer application and efficient operations in a high-volume automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years supporting a manufacturing paint shop with both manual and automated cells.
• Strong problem solving, Lean, 5S, Kaizen facilitation, and SPC knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Optimize manual deck operations across prep, masking, sanding, spraying, and finishing to reduce bottlenecks.
• Monitor automated sealer cell quality; coordinate with maintenance and contractors to troubleshoot issues.
• Perform root cause analyses (8D/5 Whys) to reduce defects and rework.
• Evaluate and implement improved tooling to reduce operator fatigue and improve finish quality.
• Develop, maintain, and audit SOPs; conduct LPAs for adherence to validated techniques.
• Drive 5S and contamination control across manual decks and mixing rooms.
• Collaborate with EHS to manage VOC exposure and ergonomic risks at workstations.
• Lead Kaizen events and cost-reduction projects in the paint shop.

Skills

Process optimization

Kaizen

5S

Root cause analysis

Statistical Process Control

Ergonomic risk assessments

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Ergonomic sanders

Upgraded spray guns

Masking dispensers

Job description

Rivian is seeking a Paint Process Engineer to optimize the paint shop’s manual and automated processes in Normal, IL. You will lead defect reduction, SOP maintenance, and Kaizen initiatives to improve safety and finish quality.

You will partner with maintenance, technicians, and external contractors to ensure consistent sealer application and efficient operations in a high-volume automotive environment.