Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations)

Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG; Greeneville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Disability insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp. seeks a Senior Paint Engineering Leader to own and continuously improve automated paint operations. You will develop robust processes, lead root-cause problem solving, and drive world-class quality, flow, and cost performance across a multi‑shift team.

The role emphasizes DOE, standard work, and TPS discipline to sustain improvements and reduce defects while advancing safety and efficiency in a high-volume automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and hands-on automotive paint experience.
• 8+ years in automated paint systems with proven process stabilization.
• Strong leadership and ownership mindset with multi‑shift team experience.
• Hands-on with DOE, root cause analysis, and process validation.

Responsibilities

• Own process stability first and maintain a controlled paint process with standards and visual management.
• Develop robust processes using DOE and data-driven decisions to reduce defects.
• Lead TPS-based problem solving and ensure countermeasures are sustained through standard work.
• Define, implement, and audit standard work, startup checks, and daily management across shifts.
• Optimize robot programs for consistent film build, cycle efficiency, and flow.
• Lead a multi-shift technical team to act as process owners and reduce firefighting.
• Drive SQDCP performance: improve FTQ, NEE, and waste reduction.

Skills

Automated paint systems

Leadership

DOE

Root cause analysis

Process validation

Robot paint application

Lean / TPS

Quality system knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, materials, manufacturing or related field

Tools

PFMEA

APQP

PPAP

Job description

Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations)

We are a leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronic locking systems as well as car access and authorization systems for the global automotive industry. Founded in 1908 in Velbert, Germany, we are an independent, family-owned company with around 7,500 employees at locations in Europe, America and Asia and achieved sales of more than EUR 1.2billion in the financial year 2023.

Your Role (TPS Mindset)

Own and continuously improve the automated paint process by building stable, repeatable, and waste-free operations. This role is responsible for developing robust paint processes, eliminating variation, and leading a team to achieve world‑class quality, flow, and cost performance.

We are looking for a proven paint process leader who not only understands the technology, but takes ownership, drives problem solving at the root cause, and builds sustainable systems that perform without firefighting.

• Own process stability first, then improvementEstablish and maintain a fully controlled paint process (Air Make‑Up Unit (AMU), airflow, booth conditions, film build, color position) with clear standards and visual management
• Develop robust processes—not temporary fixesUse Design of Experiments (DOE), confirmation runs, and data‑driven decision making to eliminate variation and permanently reduce defects
• Lead with Toyota Production System (TPS) problem solving disciplineDrive 5 Whys, Ishikawa, and Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act (PDCA) to address root causes—not symptoms. Ensure countermeasures are sustained through standard work
• Standardize and sustain excellenceDefine, implement, and audit standard work, startup checks, and daily management routines across all shifts
• Optimize automation for consistency and flowImprove robot programs (paths, angles, Z‑moves) to ensure uniform film build, repeatability, and cycle efficiency
• Build people capability and ownershipLead and develop a multi‑shift technical team to think and act as process owners—not firefighters
• Drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) performanceImprove First Time Quality (FTQ), Net Equipment Effectiveness (NEE), and cost through systematic waste reduction and process control.

Your Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, materials, manufacturing or related field or equivalent experience
• Deep automotive paint expertise8+ years in automated paint systems (plastics preferred)Proven track record of developing and stabilizing paint processes
• Leadership with ownership mindsetExperience leading multi‑shift teamsSelf‑motivated, accountable, and drives results without escalation
• Strong problem solver (not trial‑and‑error)Hands‑on with DOE, root cause analysis, and process validationFocus on sustainable countermeasures
• Technical masteryRobot paint application optimization (paths, angles, coverage)Understanding of material behavior, film build, and environmental impact
• Quality system knowledgePFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, PPAPExperience with OEM paint standards
• Lean / TPS mindsetDemonstrated ability to create standardized, visual, and stable processesFocus on eliminating waste and variation

What we offer

• Stable, controlled paint process with clear standards and minimal variation
• Measurable reduction in top defects and scrap cost
• Improved FTQ and NEE performance
• A team that owns the process and solves problems at the root cause
• Sustainable systems in place—not dependence on individuals
• Competitive pay
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off

Huf celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp.