Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer- Finishes

GE Appliances; Louisville, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Appliances, a Haier company, in Louisville, KY, seeks a Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer- Finishes to lead the Finishes COE, drive CapEx projects, and optimize finishing processes across global operations. You will develop equipment specs, analyze coating methods, and coordinate with suppliers and internal teams to enhance quality and cost performance.

The role requires extensive experience in advanced manufacturing, coatings, and project leadership, with travel as needed to support

Qualifications

• Engineering or technical degree (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum 10 years Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and/or Technical experience in manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of CapEx project leadership in coating/finishes.
• Strong background in applying statistical tools for process and product development and control (i.e. Gage R&R, Process Capability, Control Plans, SPC, PFMEA and DOEs).
• Experienced with problem solving tools and component qualification (i.e., 8-D, 5 Whys, 7 Ways, DOE, eCAR, Fishbone, Pareto, Six Sigma, First Piece, PPAP).
• Experienced with coatings, physical evaluation methods and measurement techniques.
• Basic understanding of color and appearance control methods.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated leadership to influence and drive change within a highly matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, manage and implement aggressive project plans both globally and domestically.

Responsibilities

• Grow Finishes COE capability and train team members.
• Lead large CapEx investments and optimize finishing systems.
• Create equipment specs for finishing projects.
• Analyze coating methods across Haier Global Companies and ensure compliance with GEA standards.
• Interface with suppliers and manufacturing sites to advance coatings initiatives.
• Provide clear project status updates to leadership.

Skills

CapEx leadership

Statistical tools

Project management

Coatings knowledge

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

Physics/Chemistry/Math background

Tools

Gage R&R

DOE

Six Sigma

Job description

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make "good things, for life." As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there's always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together. The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities. Interested in joining us on our journey?

Position Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer- Finishes Location USA, Louisville, KY

Responsibilities

• Participate in growing the Finishes COE organization’s overall capability and business impact. This includes cross training of team members, adding to the body of knowledge of the COE, individual training, and development of new manufacturing processes.
• Support the Finishes COE Hoshin to include the global strategy for Premium Finishes management, architecture and standards, processes, and appearance control.
• Lead large investment CapEx projects related to internal finishing operations. This would include optimization of current systems, upgrading existing equipment, acquisition of new technologies, integration of equipment into the factories, and overall strategic planning.
• Create equipment specifications for Finishing CapEx projects to procure the correct advanced technology and ensure system compatibility.
• Provide in-depth analysis of incumbent coating methods and controls across Haier Global Companies and ensure all entities are conforming to GEA standards, processes, and initiatives.
• Participate in the authoring and updating of governing GEA documentation related to Finishing.
• Support the global coatings strategy with Haier, GEA, Mabe, and F&P teams.
• Own all aspects of advanced manufacturing engineering and project management for internal and external assigned coating operations. This includes the qualification of new materials, as well as continuous ownership and development throughout the life cycle of the finishing operation.
• Utilize technical expertise in finishes and manufacturing equipment to improve factory processes and overall operational performance.
• Lead finishes improvement projects in a matrix environment by partnering with Technology, EHS, AME, and Manufacturing teams.
• Interface with coating suppliers, applicators, and manufacturing sites to improve coatings initiatives for the business.
• Identify new coating’s processes, tools, and contacts within the industry – including new suppliers, instruments, or processes to further advance the business.
• Champion the use of the Finishes Execution Scorecard, Technical Audits, and other quality tools to identify and drive quality projects across all coatings operations resulting in the overall improvement of Premium Finishes at GEA.
• Monitor and resolve coatings process control performance issues by developing robust quality control plans and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Drive permanent resolution of coatings and finishes Cost of Quality issues caused by manufacturing and supplier defects.
• Lead projects involving coatings supplier moves, process and material changes.
• Support design change projects.
• Support the GEA finishes commercial strategy through qualification of alternate suppliers and materials, data collection of current process state, and integration with the operations and equipment requirements.
• Lead problem definition and reactive problem solving of coatings issues through disciplined root cause and corrective action.
• Provide clear and concise project status updates to leadership teams.
• Identify areas for cost reduction within coatings and finishing processes both internal and external.

Requirements

• Engineering or Technical degree (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum 10 years Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and/or Technical experience in manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of CapEx project leadership in coating/finishes.
• Strong background in applying statistical tools for process and product development and control (i.e. Gage R&R, Process Capability, Control Plans, SPC, Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and Design of Experiments (DOEs)).
• Experienced with problem solving tools and component qualification (i.e., 8-D, 5 Whys, 7 Ways, DOE, eCAR, Fishbone, Pareto, Six Sigma, First Piece, PPAP).
• Experienced with coatings, physical evaluation methods and measurement techniques.
• Basic understanding of color and appearance control methods.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated leadership to influence and drive change within a highly matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, manage and implement aggressive project plans both globally and domestically.

Our Culture

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities. This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices. By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e-mail to [e-mail]

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is more than a place to work. We imagine, design and build some of the world's best appliances. Our people strive to improve themselves, the company and the community-building challenging and rewarding careers along the way. We value diversity, teamwork, innovation and lean manufacturing. We work with some of the best people in the world who take pride in our products and thrive on challenges. More than a place to work, GE Appliances is a place of opportunity, a place to grow and a place to develop your career.