Project/Robotics Specialist

Kia Georgia, Inc.; West Point (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer located in West Point, Georgia, is seeking a skilled professional to analyze and enhance production and quality performance in paint operations. Key responsibilities include leading supplemental projects, robotic process design, and compliance with safety standards. Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, possess relevant experience, and be bilingual in Korean and English. This role offers opportunities for overtime and international travel.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in painting operations, preferably in automotive.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Flexible to work overtime, holidays, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects related to painting operations and vendor management.
• Design and validate robotic paint processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis for quality concerns.

Skills

Robot Programming Knowledge

Bilingual in Korean and English

Effective communication skills

Teamwork oriented

Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP system

AutoCAD

Job description

Analyze production and quality performance of process cleaning and process improvements. Coordinate activities with various suppliers and contractors associated with the Paint Shop. Work with the Production staff to continuously improve overall performance and KPI tracking.

General Summary

Analyze production and quality performance of process cleaning and process improvements. Coordinate activities with various suppliers and contractors associated with the Paint Shop. Work with the Production staff to continuously improve overall performance and KPI tracking.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead supplemental projects (define requirements, vendor selection, contracts, budget, timeline, risk analysis) including reporting of progress.
• Design and validate robotic paint processes, equipment, and cell layouts to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Program/tune robots and application equipment (bells/guns, dosing, electrostatics) to achieve film build and appearance requirements with high transfer efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with EHS, and robot/machine safety standards; maintain robust LOTO and guarding.
• Analyze daily performance of paint process, respond to downtime and quality concerns; conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and standardized work; conduct capability studies and develop Maintenance Preventive Maintenance Plans.
• Ensure compliance with EHS, robot/machine safety standards; maintain robust LOTO and guarding.
• Train and mentor technicians/operators; maintain documentation, backups, and change control for programs and recipes.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Facilities, and paint suppliers to stabilize processes/
• Participate in Cross Functional Teams (CFTs) and other problem-solving teams.

  The above typical duties are characteristic of this job and demonstrate a level of difficulty and are not intended to list or limit the duties that may be required or assigned to a team member in this classification.

Qualifications & Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering or related field along with two (2) to five (5) years of progressive experience in painting operations in a manufacturing environment preferably within the automotive industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Teamwork oriented.
• Flexible schedule to work overtime, holidays and weekends as required.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in both exercising company decisions and carrying out essential job duties that affect efficient business operations and its objectives, policies, practices, and conditions.
• Effective communication skills, including oral and written, as well as the ability to read schedules and diagrams, and the ability to troubleshoot problems in a systematic and collaborative fashion.
• Proven delivery of launch projects and process capability improvements
• Bilingual in Korean and English (Verbal and Written Skills).

Reasonable accommodation may be provided for those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required

• Robot Programming Knowledge and Paint Application Systems (minimum of 2 years).
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access.
• Experience with SAP system preferred.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD.