Paint Quality Engineer

Socket.dev; Dearborn (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI, is seeking a Paint Quality On-Site Engineer to provide technical support for paint appearance, durability, process stability, and quality-system compliance within the Assembly Plant environment.

The role collaborates across Plant Engineering, Quality Operations and VME, leading audits, warranty analysis, and FTT improvements while targeting ISO readiness and continuous process improvements. Hybrid onsite four+ days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3 to 7+ years of hands-on experience in automotive assembly plant paint shop operations, OEM paint engineering, or Tier 1 paint/chemical supplier technical service.
• Quality Management System compliance, root-cause analysis (8D) and Lean manufacturing processes.
• Paint shop materials, chemicals, and automated spray booth equipment experience.
• OEM paint process guidance, coating quality controls, and ISO compliance.
• Cross-functional leadership to align plant operations, maintenance, and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Analyze warranty and quality data to identify defects and opportunities to reduce costs.
• Support ISO audits by ensuring processes and records meet quality standards.
• Lead Variation Reduction Team activities to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
• Govern the Uniform Paint Process by monitoring performance and driving improvements.
• Develop and maintain Process Control Plans with defined inspections and reactions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to solve issues.

Skills

Leadership

Data-Driven Analysis

Communication

Quality Management

Lean Manufacturing

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

In this Position....

Paint Quality On-Site Engineer provides dedicated technical support and guidance for paint appearance, durability, process stability, defect elimination, and quality system compliance within the Assembly Plant environment. Operating at the intersection of Plant Engineering, Quality Operations, and VME Operations, this role collaborates with Plant Variation Reduction Team (VRT) initiatives, ensures strict adherence to the Uniform Paint Process (UPP) standard, maintains rigorous execution of the Process Control Plan (PCP), drives ISO Audit Preparation Work, and leads comprehensive Internal / External Warranty Analysis across Paint Shop operations.

The engineer partners with plant teams, to support First Time Through (FTT) improvements, reduce top paint defects (dirt in paint, chip & scratch), and assist with ISO and Ford QOS audit readiness.

Responsibilities

What you'll do....

• Analyze warranty and quality data to identify recurring defects, failure trends, customer concerns, and opportunities to reduce warranty costs and repeat issues.
• Support ISO and quality audits by ensuring processes, documentation, and records meet required quality standards and by driving corrective actions for audit findings.
• Lead Variation Reduction Team (VRT) activities to identify process variation, conduct root‑cause analysis, and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Govern the Uniform Paint Process (UPP) by monitoring process performance, reducing paint defects and variation, and driving continuous process improvements.
• Develop and maintain Process Control Plans (PCPs) that define critical process controls, inspection requirements, reaction plans, and quality standards.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to solve complex quality issues, improve process capability, and prevent recurring defects.

Qualifications

You'll have....

• Education & Experience: bachelor’s or associate degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent practical experience and demonstrated technical qualification.
• 3 to 7+ years of hands‑on experience in automotive assembly plant paint shop operations, OEM paint engineering, or Tier 1 paint/chemical supplier technical service.
• Quality & Operational Excellence: Hands‑on experience driving Quality Management System compliance, root‑cause analysis (8D) and Lean manufacturing processes.
• Paint Operations Knowledge: Strong experience with paint shop materials, chemicals, and automated spray booth equipment.
• Automotive Paint Standards & ISO Compliance: Proficient in OEM paint process guidelines, standardized coating quality controls, and ISO regulatory compliance.

• Leadership: Strong cross‑functional leadership skills to drive consensus among plant operations, UAW floor operators, maintenance, and Tier 1 chemical/paint suppliers.
• Data‑Driven Analysis: Ability to manipulate complex data sets to identify root causes and drive actionable engineering changes.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills for reporting to Plant Managers, VME Manufacturing Directors, and Global Paint Engineering leadership.

This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300.

This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.

This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.

#LI-Hybrid

#GME

#LI-VO1