Privately-held, financially secure, highly innovative manufacturer of finish and trim systems for the automotive industry has an exciting opportunity for an experienced paint engineering manager at their western Michigan HQ location. This is a critical new position that will work very closely with the R&D and manufacturing teams regarding development and feasibility of current coating products in R&D, and plan for the future infrastructure and systems to keep the company at a competitive advantage. New paint technologies are providing exciting and high growth strategic new business opportunities, so this position offers a GREAT future career path, with a mix of technical, management and visionary elements.
If you are experienced in Class A finishing systems, with a good understanding of the technology of paint application methods, processes and equipment, and have the vision to see both the immediate need and the path to the future - we’d like to hear from you!
Reporting to the Coatings Director, and interacting with R&D, manufacturing and production team members as well as the customer, you will provide strategic direction on current and future potential programs, ensuring successful launches for multi-coating applications, and be accountable for customer rules and requirements regarding appearance and specifications. You will work to optimize plant processes and infrastructure to ensure the optimal balance in the plant between development and trials of new products and existing manufacturing schedules and requirements. You will also lead the continuous improvement initiative for manufacturing process.
Specific responsibilities and activities will include:
1. Lead the paint engineering team and supports paint process operations staff at assigned paint facility.
• Own the paint technical vision.
• Develop and maintain department performance metrics.
• Provide development plans and performance feedback for paint technical associates.
• Lead paint strategy effort utilizing expert business acumen and full breadth of paint knowledge.
• Support daily manufacturing-related issues.
• Participate in the quality corrective action process.
2. Ensure robustness in the feasibility, design and process development of painted product lines.
• Coordinate activity with R&D team to develop new technology.
• Support new technology launches by guiding plant technical staff to embrace new technologies
3. Establish and maintain effective relationships with customer’s paint technical staff.
• Understand AAR, APOPS, PPAP processes and manage technical staff efforts
• Responsible for final approval of quoted product prior to submission to estimating.
4. Lead the paint operations continuous improvement process
• Lead problem solving sessions using corrective action process skills.
• Establish priority based on ROI to company as a whole - not just plant.
• Motivate CIP team members and keep process moving.
• Champion major system, process, machine, and fluid issues.
• Direct supplier improvement and cost savings programs related to equipment and materials.
• Direct cost savings initiatives, new technology development and continuous improvement activity in paint facilities.
To be successful in the position, a combination of education, technical knowledge, experience and personal qualities is necessary:
1. Education & overall experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (ChE preferred) with a strong background in manufacturing.
• 10+ years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, as well as experience leading a technical group of (4) or more associates.
2. A thorough understanding of the paint application process, molded materials, paint related materials,
paint processing equipment, paint tooling and part design/construction and the performance requirements of painted product. Ideal background includes:
• 2k paint experience (low bake)
• Open spray and mask spray preferred
• Multiple substrates with plastic focus
• Experience with class “A” finishing (body color base/clear, monocoats, all gloss levels)
• Knowledge of paint defect analysis and troubleshooting
• Knowledge of paint physical and performance testing methods and analysis
• Robotic application experience (Fanuc, ABB)
• Experience with HVLP and Bell application
• Knowledge of electrostatic painting
• Knowledge of pre-treatment / wash systems
• Knowledge of booth mechanics (air flow and pressure balance, filtration, etc)
3. A thorough understanding of the principles of managing people and processes:
• Highly effective communicator (up and down command chain).
• Strong motivational skills to gain team buy-in to new ideas and methods.
• Experience managing multiple projects with proper priority and organization.
• Can lead by example and keep a team focused on task.
• Skilled at developing internal and external relationships with co-workers, suppliers and customers.
• Strong influencing skills – able to lead even without direct reporting relationship.
• Driven by and expects information based on solid data.
4. Personal characteristics
Drive, energy, initiative and strong critical thinking skills.
Pursue personal growth and learning – believe in ongoing personal development.
Good sense of humor.
In exchange for your experience, initiative, energy and creativity, the Company offers an excellent salary and benefit package with strong long-term career opportunity. Relocation assistance is available.
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