Senior Paint Project Engineer

-; Auburn Hills (MI); Remote; USD 79,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading robotics firm in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking an experienced engineer to lead robotic paint application systems design and implementation. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience in robotics and paint systems, with a strong mechanical aptitude and excellent communication skills. The position offers competitive benefits and the chance to work in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Health insurance

401k Savings Plan

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in robotics paint application and automated systems.
• Proven experience with paint measurement tools and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with NFPA standards and robot control software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and launch of robotic paint application systems.
• Work with customers to deliver solutions and gather feedback.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and training materials.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ABB RobotStudio

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we'll give you what you need to make it happen. It won't always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you'll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This Position reports to: Field Service Manager - Robotic Applications.

Your role

In this role, you will have the opportunity to be a design authority for an engineering discipline. Each day, you will complete assignments on multiple projects of moderate size or portions of major projects in a cost-effective manner. You will also showcase your expertise by ensuring assignments are completed in accordance with contract specifications, quality standards, safety requirements, and cybersecurity policies and standards. This is an on-call position to perform emergency repairs of ABB Robotic Paint system equipment in the field and provide system integration support of ABB robots to designated build shops as well as the end users, and perform robot program changes such as logic, software and path alterations through either off-line or on-line methodology. This role requires frequent travel, occasionally on short notice.

The work model for the role is: #LI-Remote and the position is contributing to the Robotics Customer Service/RA -Robotics & Discrete Automation/RARO - Robotics Business in Auburn Hills, MI.

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Working with the customer to shape and deliver solutions while seeking customer feedback to drive improvements.
• Creating work plans and cost estimates for the portfolio of projects and ensuring quality, and timely implementation within the targeted cost; coordinating with relevant functions to ensure the designs are appropriately manufactured / staged, tested, installed, and commissioned.
• Coaching engineering colleagues on the translation of conceptual designs to engineering documentation, best practices, and lessons learned from past projects.
• Lead the design, installation, and launch of robotic paint application systems, including cell layout, cycle time, film build, and robot path optimization.
• Oversee system integration and functional operation across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
• Conduct paint validation tests, audits, and process improvements to enhance quality, efficiency, and uptime.
• Provide technical support and training to customers and internal teams, including equipment troubleshooting, optimization, and preventive maintenance procedures.
• Collaborate with paint suppliers and customers to address defects, ensure color and finish consistency, and improve paint application results.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, AutoCAD drawings, and training materials.
• Support proposals and sales teams with process input, system feasibility reviews, and customer presentations.

Our Team Dynamics

You will join a fast-paced, high-performance team, where you will be able to thrive.

Qualifications for the Role

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
• 12+ years of experience in robotics paint application and automated electrostatic spray systems (bells and guns); specifically with ABB RobotStudio.
• Proven mechanical aptitude in assembly, repair, and calibration of paint application and electrostatic equipment.
• Proficient with paint measurement tools and data interpretation (e.g., X-Rite, Elcometer, Wavescan, viscosity meters).
• Knowledge of paint chemistry, defect correction, and the impact of environmental variables (temperature, humidity, etc.); knowledgeable of all paint application equipment provided by ABB Japan, Norway and China.
• Experience with AutoCAD, ABB RobotStudio, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with NFPA standards (70, 33, 496, 318, 79, 77) and robot control software (IPS, Brush Data).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, customer-focused environment.
• Fluency in English.

What’s in it for you?

We give you the space to lead, the support to grow, and the chance to make a difference. Whether you're solving problems, building something new, or helping others succeed, your impact is real. You'll be part of a team that values your voice and celebrates your progress.

Benefits

Our benefits are competitive, comprehensive, and crafted with you in mind.

More about us

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area provides robotics, and machine and factory automation including products, software, solutions and services. Revenues are generated both from direct sales to end users as well as from indirect sales mainly through system integrators and machine builders.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law. For more information regarding your EEO rights, please visit the EEOC website. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility during 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762. Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use ABB's career site due to disability. You may request accommodations by calling 1-888-694-7762 or emailing [e-mail].

Salary: While base salary is determined by qualifications and experience, this position is expected to pay between $79,800 and $127,680 annually.

ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees [excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]

Health, Life & Disability

• Choice between two medical plan options: Copay Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA.
• Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
• Vision benefit
• Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
• Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
• Voluntary life and AD&D - 100% employee paid up to maximums
• Short Term Disability - up to 26 weeks - Company paid
• Long Term Disability - 60% of pay - Company paid. Ability to buy-up to 66 2/3% of pay.
• Supplemental benefits - 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
• Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
• Employee discount program

Retirement

• 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
• Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)

Time off: ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.

#ABBCareers

Exciting Career Opportunity in Robotics

This role is part of ABB's Robotics business, which is preparing to become an independent company. By joining us now, you'll be part of a dynamic and fast-paced organization at the forefront of robotics innovation. As we transition into a separate entity outside the ABB Group, you'll have the chance to shape the future, grow your career, and work alongside world-class experts in a more agile and entrepreneurial environment.