Senior Engineer - Paint Pilot Projects

Kentucky Association of Manufacturers; Princeton (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Toyota Manufacturing is seeking a Sr. Engineer for the Paint Pilot Department to lead cross-functional teams across shop floors, supporting both minor and major future projects.

This role focuses on preparing the Paint Shop for vehicle changes, equipment upgrades, and material needs to stay competitive in the automotive sector. The position requires an engineering degree, strong PM skills, and a track record in new product introduction and Launch leadership, with emphasis on safety and

Qualifications

• Experience in new product introduction or product launch.
• Strong project management and team leadership experience.
• Ability to guide production support and safety/improvement initiatives.
• Proficient in data analysis and digital tools for decision making.
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration across departments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Major Model Engineer Lead, coordinating year-over-year changepoints.
• Collaborate with Pilot teams to support changepoint execution.
• Use the NA Paint Operating Plan to develop shop changes and model initiatives.
• Work with design teams to review 3D concepts and update specs for the model year.
• Support color selection negotiations and communicate capabilities.
• Coordinate trial activities for changepoints aligned with milestones.
• Collaborate with internal/external groups on refurbishment and reborn projects.
• Support production through special projects improving safety, quality, productivity, or cost.
• Report project status to shop and executive levels.

Skills

NPI / Product launch

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

3D software

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Catia

Terrace

XVL

Job description

Who We Are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world's most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We're looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION

Who We Are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world's most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We're looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Toyota Manufacturing is looking to develop new innovative solutions to support the future of mobility, and values being a member of a local and global community. We offer an inclusive team environment that values "respect for people" and we are a company with a rich history and an exciting future to pursue your professional dreams. Along with great pay, amazing benefits, and a stable work environment - Toyota Manufacturing has it all.

Toyota does not offer support or sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this role now or in the future. You must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota support or sponsorship for immigration-related employment (e.g., H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, 'job flexibility benefits' [also known as I-140 or Adjustment of Status portability], etc.) now or in the future. You should not apply for this role if you will require Toyota to assist with immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future.

Toyota's Paint Pilot Department is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Sr. Engineer.

The primary responsibility of this role is to support the Paint Pilot Team across both shops for both minor and major future projects located at TMMI Paint as the Engineering lead.

Reporting to the Pilot Manager, the person in this role will support the Paint Department's objective to prepare the Paint Shop for future vehicle structural changes, equipment changes and raw material needed to stay competitive in the automotive industry.

What You'll Be Doing

• Serve as the Major Model Engineer Lead, coordinating year-over-year changepoints.
• Collaborate with existing Pilot teams, including Team Members (TMs), Team Leaders (TLs), and Group Leaders (GLs), to support changepoint execution.
• Utilize the North American Paint Operating Plan to develop strategies and plans for implementing paint shop-specific changes and model initiatives on the production floor.
• Work closely with both North American and Japanese design teams to review 3D concepts and updated design specifications, developing actionable plans for execution within the model year.
• Support color selection negotiations and communicate manufacturing capabilities effectively.
• Coordinate trial activities in preparation for changepoints to ensure alignment with TMMI gated management milestones.
• Collaborate with internal groups at TMMI/TMNA and external groups on equipment refurbishment, retrofit, and future reborn projects.
• Support production through special projects aimed at improving safety, quality, productivity, or cost efficiency as needed.
• Report out project status to shop and executive level.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Applied Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in new product introduction or product launch.
• Ability to provide direction on project management and production support, particularly related to safety, quality, and productivity issues.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to guide teams.
• Experience collaborating effectively across multiple departments and functional groups.
• Engineering support expertise for projects, equipment upgrades, and initiatives aimed at improving operational availability.
• Track record of leading capital investment projects that enhance safety, quality and productivity
• Strong Problem-solving capabilities with practical applications of continues improvement methodologies such as lean or Six Sigma.
• Proficiency in data analysis and digital tools for processing, monitoring and operational decision making.
• Proficiency in 3D software and capable of navigating various 3D programs for deep understanding of product.
• Experience leading others to achieve launch objectives, with a strong understanding of existing shop initiatives and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Added bonus if you have

• Automotive manufacturing
• Experience with Catia, Terrace or XVL.
• Experience collaborating/ leading internal shop meetings (e.g., Quality Engineering, Weld, Assembly) to drive cross-shop initiatives.
• Direct involvement in new model vehicle launches.
• Fundamental Knowledge of paint shop production process including:
• Pretreat/ED
• Sealer/Sound Damping
• Corrosion protection
• Topcoat Application

What We'll Bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute (if applicable)
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations?