Manufacturing Engineering Manager -Paint Process

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

"Updated: 09/23/2026

The Paint Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the manufacturing engineering function for the paint shop, ensuring robust paint processes, equipment capability, product quality, operational efficiency, and launch readiness. This role drives process engineering, automation, robotics, capacity expansion, capital projects, continuous improvement, and Industry 4.0 initiatives while supporting safety, quality, cost, delivery, and environmental objectives.

The position requires strong expertise in automated paint systems, robotic paint application technologies, paint process optimization, manufacturing engineering, and industrial project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Engineering Leadership

• Lead Paint Manufacturing Engineering activities across all paint operations.

• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives.

• Ensure efficient, capable, and sustainable paint processes.

• Establish engineering standards, specifications, and best practices.

• Support plant productivity, quality, cost, and delivery targets.

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Paint Process Engineering

Responsible for engineering and optimization of:

• Pretreatment and phosphating systems

• Electro-deposition (E-Coat) processes

• Powder coating operations

• Liquid paint operations

• Paint booth systems

• Paint kitchen and circulation systems

• Sealant and coating application processes

• Curing ovens and thermal systems

• Material handling and conveyor systems

Key Deliverables

• Process capability improvements

• Paint consumption optimization

• Transfer efficiency improvement

• Reduction in paint defects

• Quality and throughput enhancement

• Standardization of process parameters

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Robotics & Automation Engineering

Lead engineering and optimization of:

• ABB Paint Robots

Responsibilities

• Robot path programming and optimization

• Cycle time reduction projects

• Robotic application parameter optimization

• Paint atomizer performance improvement

• TCP calibration and validation

• Robot simulation and offline programming

• Automation upgrades and modernization

• Digital manufacturing initiatives

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New Product Launch & Industrialization

• Lead paint process development for new product introductions.

• Support APQP and production readiness activities.

• Develop PFMEA and control plans.

• Conduct process validation and capability studies.

• Manage trial builds and pilot production activities.

• Ensure successful launch execution with zero quality disruptions.

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Capital Projects & Plant Expansion

• Lead paint shop greenfield and brownfield projects.

• Prepare capital expenditure (CAPEX) proposals.

• Define equipment specifications and technical requirements.

• Manage procurement, installation, and commissioning activities.

• Coordinate with equipment suppliers and system integrators.

• Deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

Typical projects include:

• New paint booths

• Robotic paint cells

• Conveyor systems

• Oven upgrades

• Automation projects

• Industry 4.0 implementation

• Capacity expansion programs

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Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

• Reduce defects, rework, and process variation.

• Lead Value Stream Mapping exercises.

• Conduct Kaizen workshops.

• Improve paint shop throughput and productivity.

• Support cost reduction programs.

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Quality & Process Control

• Establish robust process control systems.

• Analyze paint quality performance metrics.

• Lead root cause investigations for paint defects.

• Support customer and internal quality audits.

• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards.

• Develop corrective and preventive action plans.

Common defects managed:

• Orange peel

• Runs and sags

• Dirt inclusions

• Dry spray

• Blistering

• Adhesion failures

• Color variation

• Gloss variation

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Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all plant safety requirements.

• Support safe handling of paints, chemicals, and flammable materials.

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to:

o VOC emissions

o Hazardous waste management

o Water treatment systems

o Air pollution control systems

• Lead risk assessments and process safety reviews.

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Team Leadership

• Lead Manufacturing Engineers and Process Engineers.

• Develop technical talent and succession plans.

• Build a high-performance engineering organization.

• Mentor engineers in paint technology and automation.

• Drive employee engagement and continuous learning.

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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• First Pass Yield (FPY) > 98%

• Paint Defects per Unit Reduction

• OEE Improvement

• Paint Transfer Efficiency Improvement

• Paint Consumption Reduction

• New Product Launch Success Rate

• Equipment Capacity Utilization

• CAPEX Project Delivery Performance

• Safety Performance

• Environmental Compliance

• Cost Savings Achievement

• On-Time Project Completion

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Educational Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.

Preferred

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification.

• Project Management Certification.

• Robotics Certification (ABB).

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Experience

Required

• 12-15+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.

• Minimum 5 years in paint manufacturing engineering leadership.

• Strong experience in automotive or heavy equipment paint shop operations.

Preferred

• Experience with robotic paint application systems.

• Greenfield facility development and commissioning.

• Experience in automotive, engine, genset, agricultural equipment, or construction equipment manufacturing.

• Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory implementation experience.

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Technical Competencies

Paint Process Expertise

• Pretreatment

• Phosphating

• E-Coat

• Powder Paint

• Liquid Paint

• Paint Chemistry

• Paint Application Technologies

Manufacturing Engineering

• APQP

• PFMEA

• Process Validation

• Capacity Planning

• Industrial Engineering

• Standard Work

• Process Optimization

Automation & Robotics

• ABB Robots

• PLC Systems

• SCADA Systems

• Vision Systems

• Industrial Networking

Continuous Improvement

• Lean Manufacturing

• Six Sigma

• TPM

• Root Cause Analysis

• Value Stream Mapping

• Kaizen

• OEE

 

Posting Dates:

September 24, 2026 - October 7, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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