Paint Engineer

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What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
The Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting group specializes in automotive technologies that are driving the future of mobility. Combining a deep systems knowledge to develop unique vehicle access experiences, intelligent visions systems and advanced automotive lighting technologies, MML's expertise light the path to innovation, safety and styling.
Job Responsibilities:
POSITION SUMMARY:
Ensures smooth launch and ongoing performance of painted products. Coordinates and participates in continuous improvement processes. Administers and participates in programs related to job function. Develops, monitors, and tracks performance and progress of all job-related launches. Works with internal and external contacts frequently. Plans for future paint and/or paint systems requirements. Work may involve providing work direction to other staff. Performs other duties as needed in support of business objectives. Work involves frequent exposure to chemicals and hazardous waste.
KEY FUNCITONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for all aspects of assigned programs/projects.

• Ensures smooth launch and ongoing performance of painted products. Evaluates color match to standards of products in production. Designs and initiates manufacturing of paint fixtures. Generates paint mix sheets for any new batches or mix recipes of paint, which describe various properties of the paint (e.g., mix, name, code, recipe, viscosity, etc.). Anticipates and provides for future paint needs.
• Coordinates and participates in continuous improvement processes including, but not limited to, troubleshooting and problem solving for immediate production paint problems, ensuring quality of paint, monitoring down time and leading efforts to improve quality and reduce costs. Generates all necessary deviations or process changes in relation to the job. May research and recommend new paint systems.
• Administers and participates in programs intended to monitor the amount chemicals that go into the environment, such as Volatile Organic Compound levels (VOC), (elements which need to be controlled during different processes). Monitors and tracks VOC levels by maintaining complex spreadsheet program on computer.
• May provide initial work direction, general supervision, and training to laboratory personnel and/or paint technician(s) other staff in accordance with business objectives.
• Develops, monitors, and tracks progress of all job-related launches in accordance with project goals. Generates and reviews bills of materials and routings, process sheets, written procedures, work orders, updates capacity studies etc. to ensure accuracy.
• Works with internal and external contacts frequently. Provides customer service by answering customer questions and solving customer complaints.
• Analyzes and plans for future paint fixture requirements. Evaluates current equipment capabilities and plans for future equipment needs and leads efforts for equipment updates. May plan, submit, and oversee capital budget of paint system equipment. May budget and provide staff with requested quotes of paint costs for new and/or existing business.
• Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives. Work involves frequent exposure to chemicals and hazardous waste.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Level I

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field including minimum one year paint experience; or equivalent. Three years experience with paint and paint systems strongly preferred. Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing processes required.
• Demonstrated creativity and ingenuity to work on moderate to long-term assignments which are broad in nature. Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills to prioritize, coordinate projects, manage conflicting needs, and deal with many issues at one time. Must be able to work independently.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills in order to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts and represent the Company in a professional manner when performing job duties. Must have excellent interpersonal skills to exercise influence at various levels and functions.
• Must be able to operate standard and specialized equipment related to the job; must be able to use technical tools such as microscopes, measuring tools, spray guns, etc. Demonstrated strong understanding of and ability to utilize computers in accordance with business needs.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, coordinate, integrate internal data, and clearly articulate concepts, ideas, and other issues relating to paint engineering. Must have excellent visual skills to see and differentiate paint colors, paint film thickness, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to research and recommend new products and processes. Must be able to initiate implementation of continuous improvement processes.

Level II (in addition to above requirements)

• Minimum three years paint engineering experience with broad understanding of project engineering practices, principles, procedures, processes, etc.; or equivalent. Experience with "Class A" automotive finishing preferred.
• Must be able to utilize mixing and curing processes and equipment, spray guns, pumping equipment, etc. Must possess an excellent understanding of application equipment in relationship to solvent blends, paint mixing, temperature, humidity, and other factors critical to successful performance of job duties. Must have experience with color measurement and proportioning equipment, two component mixing, application and curing processes on plastic and metal substrates. Possesses specific knowledge, expertise, and is technically current in product development field.
• Demonstrated ability to research and recommend new paint system/fixture enhancements and participate in and initiate implementation of continuous improvement processes. Must have a basic understanding and ability to integrate work in several areas of technology. Must be extremely knowledgeable in paint systems or related processes.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out projects, broad in nature, from beginning to end in coordination with internal and external contacts. Strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills to prioritize, coordinate projects, manage conflicting needs, and deal with many issues at one time. Must be able to work independently under little or no supervision.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts and represent the Company in a professional manner when performing job duties. Must have excellent interpersonal skills to exercise influence at various levels and functions.

Level III (in addition to above requirements)

• Minimum eight years' experience in paint engineering or project/program management; or equivalent. Must have thorough and complete mastery of respective field. Must be broadly familiar with technologies, products, customers, and programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work on long-term assignments, broad in nature, using a high level of originality and ingenuity. Must be able to develop long-term technical strategies/plans to meet future business needs and growth opportunities. Must be able to work independently with substantial latitude for unreviewed action or decision.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage several large and complex projects simultaneously. Must have experience with past project financial responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others through support, training, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly research, recommend, and oversee implementation of new products, materials, processes, etc. and present information. Champions innovative opportunities to expand the organization's current and future business.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure
As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.
Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting