Quality Assurance Engineer - Paint

Singer Group; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Singer Group in Torrance, CA is seeking a Paint Quality Assurance Engineer to improve quality in the paint department. You will lead 8D and RCA investigations, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure conformance to engineering and customer standards.

The role focuses on defect prevention, process standardization, and implementing corrective actions across paint surfacing and finishing stages to meet high customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Automotive paint processes experience including pretreatment, e-coat, primer, basecoat, clearcoat.
• Ability to define problems using 8D & RCA and track resolutions.
• Knowledge of paint defects like orange peel, runs, fisheyes, dirt nibs, solvent pop.
• Understanding of paint booth environmental controls including temperature and humidity.
• Excellent written and spoken communication across all levels and functions.

Responsibilities

• Establishes conformance to engineering and quality standards in the paint dept.
• Owns problem definitions and containment via 8D and RCA.
• Detects non-conformances via Change Control and audits.
• Leads cross-functional teams to drive surfacing and paint improvements.
• Guides input on form, fit, manufacturability and durability in programs.
• Prevents customer issues by reviewing FMEAs, specs and tolerances.
• Develops and releases control plans, inspection standards and work instructions.
• Implements quality initiatives across the enterprise.
• Supports resolution of internal/external paint quality issues.
• Manages MRB in the paint department.
• Works with supply chain to improve supplier quality.
• Establishes metrics to monitor system effectiveness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Paint processes

RCA / 8D

FMEA

Cross-functional

Communication

Documentation

MS Office

Job description

We’re looking for a Paint Quality Assurance Engineer to bring their passion, precision, and problem-solving skills to our paint department in Torrance, CA. If you share our passion for beautiful cars, thrive on details, and want to be part of something extraordinary, this is your chance.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Under direct supervision, the Paint Quality Engineer will be responsible for providing support to our internal or external customers on Quality Improvement opportunities during the surfacing and painting stages of the Singer vehicle build
• As part of the quality organization, you will focus on continual improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and the reduction of variation and waste across production operations
• You will monitor our manufacturing processes, quality data systems, first pass yield, COPQ and continuous improvement opportunities to implement the best practices across the value stream in a manner that demonstrates, “Everything is Important"
• You must be a problem-solver at your core, have a strong quality and customer-focused mindset, and have the personal drive and stamina for relentless, continual improvement

What You’ll Do:

• Establishes and ensures conformance to engineering and quality standards, product specifications, and highest customer expectations in the paint department
• Contains defective products through ownership of problem definition (8D’s), Root Cause Analysis (RCA’s), dispositions review, tracking of resolution effectiveness, and Containment coordination
• Detects non-conformances and process variations through use and standardization of Change Control management, and both Internal auditing and Layered Process auditing
• Leads cross-functional problem-solving teams to drive process and product improvements related to the surfacing and paint processes; uses QA methodologies to manage and facilitate issue resolution including root cause investigations and the development, implementation and monitoring of effective corrective and preventive actions
• Guides form, fit, function, manufacturability, and durability through input at program development stages
• Prevents customer satisfaction and durability issues by coordinating Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA’s), product design specifications and tolerances reviews, past problem history, and supplier development
• Develops and releases product/process control plans, inspection standards, quality and testing plans and instructions, visual work instructions, technical specifications, and various manufacturing validations
• Implements quality compliance, assurance, control, and improvement initiatives across the enterprise
• Works with Manufacturing, Engineering, Customer Experience and Quality personnel to support the resolution of internal and external quality issues related to paint
• Supports development and management of MRB in the paint department
• Works with Supply Chain leadership and Quality personnel to drive improvements and enforce compliance in supplier quality performance (related to paint)
• Establishes and implements metrics for monitoring system effectiveness and to enable other functional managers and Quality team members to make sound quality decisions – product, supplier, customer, regulatory and systems quality
• Supports contract reviews for new contract awards, customer, and supplier LTA
• Manages production and quality Record Retention & Management process within area of responsibility
• Performs other duties as assigned

Who We’re Looking For:

• Good understanding of custom paint application paint process from surfacing to final paint application, preferably in a low volume high mix environment, where paint is applied manually not through automation
• Expe rience and/or certifications in automotive paint processes like pretreatment, e-coat, primer, basecoat, clearcoat, curing, polishing, and rework
• Knowledge of paint defects such as orange peel, runs/sags, dirt nibs, fisheyes, solvent pop, pinholes, blistering, color mismatch, dry spray, and adhesion issues
• Understanding of paint booth/environmental controls, including temperature, humidity, airflow, and contamination control
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across all business levels and functions of both internal Manufacturing and Supplier relations
• Detail oriented, effectively handle multiple priorities, have a strong quality mindset, can meet tight deadlines, and enjoy working in a team environment
• Effective written and verbal communications skills; ability to express ideas clearly and actively listen to others
• Strong presentation skills
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, including MS Office Suite
• Excellent time management with an ability to balance multiple projects and timelines
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and collaborative skills with the ability to prioritize efficiently and effectively within and across departments
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic