Powder Coating Manufacturing Engineer: Lead Plant Expansion

Sterling St James LLC; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 117,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with specialized expertise in industrial paint and powder coating operations. This direct-hire role places you at the forefront of a multi-million-dollar expansion, leading equipment selection, process design, and line optimization for new high-efficiency systems.

The position requires 3–5 years (Level II) or 6–9+ years (Senior) in manufacturing engineering, with deep experience in powder coating, CAD, Lean, and SAP/ERP.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience (Level II).
• 6–9+ years for Senior level with powder coating depth.
• Experience with CAD, Lean tools, and industrial finishing systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide SME leadership for all powder coating, pre-treatment, and finishing operations.
• Lead installation and justification of new coating line equipment and ovens.
• Establish KPIs, optimize coating usage, and reduce scrap.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Lean manufacturing

ERP (SAP)

Education

Associate Degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering preferred

Tools

Pre-treatment chemistry

Powder coating operations

Job description

Sterling St James LLC in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with specialized expertise in industrial paint and powder coating operations. This direct-hire role places you at the forefront of a multi-million-dollar expansion, leading equipment selection, process design, and line optimization for new high-efficiency systems.

The position requires 3–5 years (Level II) or 6–9+ years (Senior) in manufacturing engineering, with deep experience in powder coating, CAD, Lean, and SAP/ERP.