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Summit Polymers · 1 month ago

Engineer, Manufacturing (Paint)

Mount Sterling, KY

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

5+ years exp

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems, and they are seeking a hands-on Engineer in Manufacturing specializing in paint processes. This role involves providing technical support and leadership in the robotic painting and manufacture of injection molded plastic parts, with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

AutomotiveManufacturingTransportation

Responsibilities

Responsible for all paint-related activities associated with new product launches including:

Developing efficient and robust programs using 6 axis paint robots (ABB or Fanuc) to meet customer specs, maximize paint transfer efficiency, and maximize production throughput

Developing paint processes for 1K and 2K waterborne and solvent borne paint systems using automatic spray gun applicators

Working with external suppliers to develop paint racks that present parts to the robots in a manner that allows for optimum paint coverage while minimizing cycle time and paint waste

Evaluating paint rack designs to ensure parts can be loaded and unloaded efficiently while ensuring operators are able to work safely and ergonomically

Working with paint suppliers to ensure their products allow us to meet our customer’s requirements for dry film thickness, color, and gloss

Working with packaging suppliers to develop internal WIP packaging that ensures safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations

Writing standardized work instructions that are used to ensure that all operators perform tasks utilizing best practices each and every time the task is performed

Analyze paint usage and cycle times to ensure that we will be able to meet customer demands while maintaining regulatory emissions compliance

Continue to monitor and improve the above tasks throughout the production life of the program

Support production teams with the daily operation of paint spray booths, robot programs, and paint processes

Troubleshoot process or equipment-related problems and provide solutions in a timely manner

Lead cross-functional teams in scrap reduction and continuous improvement activities focused on root-cause problem solving using 5-Why methodology

Document lessons learned and share results of activities with peers company-wide

Conduct daily process audits to ensure standardized work compliance

Work with maintenance personnel to develop appropriate PM schedules for paint spray equipment to improve operational reliability

Put together proposals to procure new equipment for capital investment or cost saving opportunities

Investigate new opportunities to automate existing operations via PLC programming to improve consistency of results while reducing labor burden

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

6 axis paint robots1K2K paint systemsPaint spray processingLean manufacturing principlesPLC programmingAnalytical skillsIndependent thinkingSurface preparation techniquesPaint chemistry knowledgeProblem solving skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing or paint coatings environment may be considered in lieu of a degree

Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills

A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion)

Preferred

Previous automotive class A painting experience

Programming using 6 axis ABB or Fanuc paint robots

Knowledge of various 1K and 2K paint systems (basecoat/clearcoat experience a plus)

Experience with paint spray processing

Knowledge of 2K mixing equipment (ABB integrated fluid delivery & IPS systems a plus)

Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles

Design and layout of paint spray booths and systems

PLC programming knowledge a plus (Allen Bradley preferred)

Knowledge of various thermal curing methods including IR and convection (UV cure a plus)

Surface preparation techniques including flame treatment and CO2 cleaning

Knowledge of paint chemistry and the ability to work with paint suppliers on usage optimization, formulation compatibility, paint performance, and quality problems