Paint Topcoat Specialist - Vehicle Process Engineering

The Paint Topcoat Center of Competency (CoC) Lead is the corporate lead for the Topcoat CoC team. The CoC team consists of specialists from Paint Process Engineering and the representative for each assembly plant paint shop.

The Topcoat CoC Lead will:

• Coordinate and guide new Topcoat development to assure process capability and follow the introduction of new materials into the plants.
• Support new processes and methods to improve efficiencies and quality.
• Provide technical support to plants on Topcoat material/process issues and are responsible for technical updates for paint standard operating procedures.
• Lead regular meetings with the plant CoC representatives to share best practices and review KPI/KAI information.
• The Specialist will work with other members of the Process Engineering Group on projects involving the implementation of paint application process solutions at end-user facilities.
• Demonstrate the ability to record and interpret paint quality data such as film builds, defects, and color/quality.
• Provide technical expertise and assurance providing recommendations for application process equipment improvements to enhance performance to reduce cost of the system at various Stellantis paint shops providing feedback and suggestions for improvements.
• Work with advanced process engineering support and solutions for difficult paint colors, applications issues and new paint technology like compact process

KPI Deliverable Requirements:

• Production support
• Track and record process related issues and identify reoccurring themes
• Develop plans and strategies to resolve reoccurring production issues
• Provide technical expertise to Process Improvement Manager, engineers, and paint suppliers (3% first time quality improvement/yr)
• Generation and implementation of ideas which contribute to vehicle quality improvement, cost reduction
• Reduction in Total Production Cost (TPC) - $3M/yr
• Launch support
• Identify high risk PFMEA's for new processes and carryover product modifications
• Provide leadership in design and engineering reviews. Ensure paint principles are integrated into design and engineering decisions.
• Coordination with Suppliers, Manufacturing Plants, Design Engineers and Purchasing to achieve company KPI's (Quality, Cost, Schedule)
• Ensure master Process Timing Schedule for assigned Programs.
• Oversee engineering activities regarding plant launches.
• Oversee and coordinate suppliers/color vendors.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in paint manufacturing processes
• Knowledge and/or experience in Paint materials and Paint process
• Experience in process and facility auditing
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of PFMEA, Knowledge of World Class Manufacturing / Technology (Stellantis Production Way) and Focused Problem Solving would be beneficial

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in paint manufacturing processes.
• 5+ years of automotive OEM paint and/or paint shop sealer experience