Ford Motor Company

Manufacturing Specialist - Paint

Ford Motor Company • $115K — $218K *
Allen Park, MI 48101In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years' experience in automotive or motorsports paint processes.
  • Practical understanding of low-volume vs. high-volume product expectations.
  • Knowledge of coatings materials and industry quality standards.
  • Experience in leading, supervising, or mentoring teams.
  • Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
  • Self-starter with a commitment to quality and no tolerance for shortcuts.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze and select paint equipment for low-volume, customizable applications.
  • Identify and implement new coating technologies and materials to enhance quality.
  • Design and standardize processes for surface preparation and coatings application.
  • Develop and improve pain process standards and quality checkpoints.
  • Collaborate with engineering and program teams for paint scheduling alignment.
  • Guide and develop paint technicians, promoting craftsmanship and safety.

Benefits

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
  • Flexible family care days and paid parental leave.
  • Family building benefits including adoption assistance.
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family.
  • Tuition assistance programs.
  • Active employee resource groups.
  • Paid community service time and holidays, including a week between Christmas and New Year.
  • Paid time off with options to purchase additional vacation.
Full Job Description
Job Description

In this position...
  • Ford Racing is looking for a Paint Manufacturing Specialist to lead and elevate our in-house paint and coatings operations supporting Motorsports, our race-proven road car programs, and customization opportunities.
  • In this role, you will own the equipment selection, processes, quality standards, and team performance behind every painted surface that leaves our shop-from prototype bodywork to race-ready liveries-ensuring every finish reflects the standard of a championship-caliber organization.
  • You'll bring hands-on paint manufacturing expertise together with the leadership skills to guide a team, optimize processes, and partner across Design, Manufacturing, and Program teams to grow our business.


Responsibilities

What you'll do...
  • Provide up-front analysis and selection of paint equipment for a new facility tailored to low-volume applications with a high level of flexibility for customization.
  • As appropriate, identify and implement new coatings technologies, materials, and equipment to improve quality, reduce cycle time, and avoid unnecessary capital investment.
  • Design process and standards for surface preparation, coatings application, curing, and finish quality inspection for prototype, race vehicles, and production products.
  • Develop and continuously improve paint process standards, work instructions, and quality checkpoints to ensure consistent, high-durability, race-ready finishes
  • Partner with Design and Release engineers and Program teams to align paint scheduling, materials, and finish requirements with build timing and program milestones.
  • Guide, coach, and develop a team of paint technicians, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement


Qualifications

You'll have...
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience in automotive/motorsports paint operations
  • 7+ years of demonstrated hands-on experience in automotive or motorsports paint processes, including surface preparation, spray application, curing, and finish quality inspection
  • A practical understanding of low volume customers and what how expectation differs on high dollar products vs high volume products.
  • Working knowledge of coatings materials, equipment, and industry quality/durability standards
  • Prior experience leading, supervising, or mentoring technicians or a small team
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally with engineering and program teams
  • Self-starter with a passion for winning and a low tolerance for excuses or shortcuts on quality

Even better, you may have...
  • Masters degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience in automotive/motorsports paint operations
  • Experience in a motorsports, racing, or high-performance automotive environment
  • Experience in low-volume niche product painting
  • Familiarity with specialty finishes, liveries, and quick-turnaround paint requirements typical of racing programs
  • Experience with Paint Protection Film (PPF) or other vehicle wrap technologies
  • Experience introducing new coatings technologies or process improvements to reduce cycle time or cost
  • Enthusiast background, with a passion for racing or performance products

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
  • Tuition assistance
  • Established and active employee resource groups
  • Paid time off for individual and team community service
  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

#FR1 #LI-MK2

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in addition to offering financial services. The company sells to dealerships for retail sales, and for sale to fleet customers, including commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Ford’s vehicle portfolio includes automobiles, buses, tractors, and trucks. Retail financing includes retail installment sale contracts for new and used vehicles, and direct financing leases for new vehicles to retail customers, government entities, daily rental car companies, and fleet customers. Finance receivables in the non-consumer portfolio include products offered to automotive dealers. Ford’s environmental initiatives include compressed natural gas, flexible fuel vehicles, electric drive vehicles, Hydrogen, PC power management, and so on. Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Ford Motor Company, a global leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing. At Ford, we are committed to driving human progress by providing outstanding vehicles and mobility solutions. This is an exciting time to become part of our inclusive team, where job opportunities abound and growth is not just a possibility, but a promise.

Work You’ll Do

At Ford Motor Company, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our professionals are at the forefront of automotive technology, leading projects that redefine transportation and sustainability. With a culture rooted in continuous improvement and respect for all, Ford offers a workplace where leadership, diversity training, and innovation are part of everyday life.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Ford’s commitment to excellence is why we are a leader in the automotive sector. We offer a variety of career paths, from engineering to marketing, all designed to foster professional and personal growth. Our team benefits from Ford’s commitment to professional development and networking opportunities, ensuring that every team member can reach their full potential.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that makes a difference. Ford Motor Company is pioneering developments in electrification, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions. Our team of over 190,000 employees worldwide is dedicated to crafting experiences that improve the way the world moves.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at Ford means more than just having a job; it means being part of a global family. Our culture promotes teamwork, integrity, and respect—values that underpin everything we do. We believe in nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.

Future-Proof Your Career

Ford Motor Company is not just a great place to work; it’s a place to build a lasting career. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive health care, and retirement plans that rank among the best in the industry. We support career advancement through extensive training programs and hands-on experience in the latest automotive technologies.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student interested in an internship, Ford has opportunities that will harness your skills and ignite your ambition. Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful, designed to match your skills and passions with the right position.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with Ford? Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that’s building the future of transportation.

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Learn more about Ford Motor Company
Size
183,000 employees
Market Cap
$44.8 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ
F
* Ladders Estimates

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