Paint Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Multiple U.S. Automotive Manufacturing FacilitiesCompensation: Competitive hourly rateSchedule: Overtime may be required based on project demandTravel: 10–25% domestic & international depending on projectAbout CrossSafetyCrossSafety provides engineering and technical professionals to support large-scale automotive manufacturing, battery production, and new model launch programs across North America. We partner with industry‑leading OEMs to deliver safe, efficient, and high‑quality project execution.Our clients seeking support are often looking to fill positions quickly and in multiple locations across the United States. As such we intend on developing a pool of interested and eligible candidates who can be utilized when our clients make their requests.We are seeking Manufacturing Project Engineers to support various production engineering teams, including battery manufacturing, process engineering, equipment installation, new model development, and paint/vehicle manufacturing systems.About The RolePaint Project Engineers support process integrity, equipment readiness, material performance, and ongoing improvement initiatives within high‑volume automotive paint departments.This position is ideal for engineers who excel in fast‑paced, hands‑on environments and who can manage technical assignments from root‑cause investigation through countermeasure implementation. Projects may include new material introductions, circulation system improvements, paint process optimization, equipment refurbishments, or new system installs.Engineers will work closely with production leaders, maintenance teams, suppliers, robotics specialists, and cross‑functional groups to ensure safety, quality, and throughput targets are consistently achieved.Key ResponsibilitiesEngineering & Process DevelopmentProvide daily process support to maintain vehicle and process integrityLead quality, material, cost, productivity, safety, and equipment improvement initiativesLead new material introduction activities to ensure no negative KPI impactInvestigate process or equipment concerns using structured problem‑solving methodologiesInterpret and review paint system drawings, paint circulation schematics, and equipment specificationsProject ManagementLead and support change management, including equipment installation or refurbishment projectsDevelop project proposals, operating plans, strategies, and ringi documentsCoordinate cross‑department investigations and communicate root cause, countermeasures, and solutions to managementSupport kaizen activities initiated by production while protecting key KPIsContinuous Improvement & Problem SolvingConduct root-cause analysis and implement countermeasuresSummarize KPIs and support handover to production teamsApply structured problem‑solving methodologies (PDCA, 5‑Why, DMAIC)Manufacturing SupportSupport production issue resolution, equipment efficiency improvements, and quality countermeasuresParticipate in advanced cleanliness protocols when working in battery or clean‑room environmentsSafety & ComplianceEnsure all engineering work aligns with safety, environmental, and regulatory standardsFollow all PPE requirements: steel-toe footwear, safety glasses, protective headwear (and additional PPE as required) provided per site guidelinesRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering (mechanical, industrial, electrical, manufacturing, chemical, or similar)Experience in an automotive manufacturing environment, specifically within paint operations2–8+ years of engineering or project management experience in manufacturingExperience supporting capital projects, equipment installation, or production preparationAbility to read and interpret 2D/3D drawings, facility layouts, and equipment documentationStrong problem-solving mindset using structured methods (PDCA, 5-Why, DMAIC, etc.)Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Project, Outlook, PowerPoint)Ability to work overtime, weekends, and shutdown periods based on project needsAbility to travel domestically and internationally, if required (vendor trials, supplier visits, training)Must follow all PPE requirements of the site including steel-toe footwear, safety glasses, protective headwear and any additional PPE as requiredPreferred QualificationsBachelor’s in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Manufacturing EngineeringCAD experience (AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar) including ability to read, interpret, and modify drawingsExperience with PLC programming (Ladder Logic) including troubleshooting and making minor programming changesExposure to equipment installation, commissioning, or paint process upgradesFamiliarity with North American manufacturing safety standardsSix Sigma, Lean, or related engineering certificationsWhy Join CrossSafetyGrow your technical and leadership skills alongside an established and expanding professional consulting firmJoin a team of over 150 supportive and safety-focused professionals including Industrial Hygienists, Ergonomists, Safety Engineers, Construction Safety Specialists, and industry-leading engineering teamsAdvance your career by working Fortune 500 companies and in dynamic environments where your leadership truly mattersContribute to high-impact industrial and construction projects across the United StatesEqual Opportunity EmployerCrossSafety fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available upon request.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.