Paint Quality Engineer

Jobtailor; Dearborn (MI, MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Quality Engineer with 3–7+ years in automotive paint shop operations to lead quality initiatives and ensure compliance with ISO and Ford QOS standards. The role involves data-driven defect reduction, root-cause analysis, and cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

Responsibilities include developing Process Control Plans, leading VRT activities, and driving corrective actions to sustain improvements in paint processes and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 3–7+ years in automotive paint shop or related roles.
• Hands-on experience driving QMS compliance.
• Experience with root-cause analysis (8D) and Lean manufacturing.
• Strong data analysis and cross-functional leadership.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Analyze warranty and quality data to identify defects and trends, reducing warranty costs and repeats.
• Support ISO and Ford QOS audits by ensuring processes, documentation, and records meet quality standards.
• Drive corrective actions for audit findings to prevent recurrence.
• Lead Variation Reduction Team (VRT) activities to identify process variation and perform root-cause analysis.
• Implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions to improve quality.
• Monitor the Uniform Paint Process (UPP) by tracking process performance.
• Reduce paint defects and variation and drive continuous improvements.
• Develop and maintain Process Control Plans defining critical controls, inspections, and standards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to solve complex quality issues.
• Support First Time Through (FTT) improvements and reduce top paint defects such as dirt, chips, and scratches.
• Assist with ISO and Ford QOS audit readiness.

Skills

Root-Cause Analysis

Quality Management System

Lean Manufacturing

Process Control Plans

Paint Shop Materials

Automated Spray Booth Equipment

OEM Paint Process Guidelines

ISO Regulatory Compliance

Data Analysis

Corrective and Preventive Actions

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree in engineering or equivalent

Job description

• 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
• Drive corrective actions for audit findings
• Lead Variation Reduction Team (VRT) activities to identify process variation and conduct root-cause analysis
• Implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions
• Govern the Uniform Paint Process (UPP) by monitoring process performance
• Reduce paint defects and variation and drive continuous process improvements
• Develop and maintain Process Control Plans (PCPs) defining critical process controls, inspection requirements, reaction plans, and quality standards
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to solve complex quality issues, improve process capability, and prevent recurring defects
• Support First Time Through (FTT) improvements and reduce top paint defects such as dirt in paint, chips, and scratches
• Assist with ISO and Ford QOS audit readiness

Requirements

• 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
• Hands‑on experience driving Quality Management System compliance
• Experience with root‑cause analysis (8D)
• Experience with Lean manufacturing processes
• Strong experience with paint shop materials, chemicals, and automated spray booth equipment
• Proficiency in OEM paint process guidelines, standardized coating quality controls, and ISO regulatory compliance
• Strong cross‑functional leadership skills
• Ability to manipulate complex data sets to identify root causes and drive actionable engineering changes
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Visa sponsorship is not available

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in Quality Management Systems, root‑cause analysis, and Lean manufacturing processes, with a strong focus on automotive paint shop operations and compliance with ISO standards. Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams to drive continuous process improvements and reduce defects.

Highest‑signal resume keywords

• Quality Management System Compliance
• Root‑Cause Analysis (8D)
• Lean Manufacturing Processes
• Paint Shop Operations
• Cross‑Functional Leadership

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Root‑Cause Analysis
• Quality Management System
• Lean Manufacturing
• Process Control Plans
• Paint Shop Materials
• Automated Spray Booth Equipment
• OEM Paint Process Guidelines
• ISO Regulatory Compliance
• Data Analysis
• Corrective and Preventive Actions

Soft Skills

• Technical Communication
• Leadership

Industry Keywords

• Automotive Assembly
• Paint Shop Operations
• OEM Paint Engineering
• Tier 1 Paint Supplier
• ISO Audits
• Variation Reduction Team
• First Time Through (FTT)
• Uniform Paint Process (UPP)
• Quality Standards
• Process Performance Monitoring