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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