General Motors

Paint Process Engineer

General Motors • $80K — $95K *
Kansas City, KS 66102In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or related field, ideally in an automotive paint shop.
  • Demonstrated analytical, troubleshooting, project-management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary for collaboration and reporting.
  • Capacity to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a production environment.
  • Commitment to safe work practices and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and maintain paint shop processes, equipment, and workflows.
  • Support new product launches and production ramp-up activities.
  • Monitor paint process performance and lead improvements in quality and efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot defects and equipment issues that disrupt production.
  • Analyze data to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Maintain documentation including control plans and change records.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and sustain improvements.

Benefits

  • Potential eligibility for relocation benefits.
  • Onsite working environment fosters direct engagement and collaboration with teams.
  • Opportunities for professional growth through project involvement and cross-functional teamwork.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role
The Paint Process Engineer supports safe, reliable, and efficient paint shop operations. This role develops, improves, and sustains paint manufacturing processes to achieve production, quality, cost, delivery, and environmental objectives. The engineer works closely with production, maintenance, quality, suppliers, and manufacturing engineering teams to resolve issues and implement continuous improvement.

This is an onsite manufacturing engineering role requiring regular presence in the paint department and on the plant floor. The role requires shift rotation, weekend, shutdown, or extended-hours support during launches, critical equipment work, troubleshooting, and planned maintenance activities. Travel to supplier or other GM locations may be required based on business needs.

What You'll Do

These responsibilities align with GM paint engineering examples covering product launches, process improvements, defect troubleshooting, equipment uptime, facility planning, and cross-functional project execution.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain paint shop processes, equipment, layouts, and standardized work.
  • Support new product launches, process changes, equipment installation, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
  • Monitor paint process performance and lead improvements in first-time quality, throughput, equipment uptime, material usage, and scrap.
  • Troubleshoot paint defects, process variation, equipment issues, and production interruptions.
  • Analyze process data and use structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Develop and maintain process control plans, failure-mode analyses, reaction plans, engineering documentation, and change records.
  • Partner with production, maintenance, quality, environmental, safety, and supplier teams to resolve problems and sustain improvements.
  • Coordinate vendors and contractors during equipment design, installation, testing, and acceptance.
  • Train and support plant personnel on process requirements, standardized work, and process changes.
  • Promote safe work practices, ergonomic improvements, waste reduction, and compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
  • Communicate project status, risks, decisions, and results to plant and engineering leadership.


Your Skills & Abilities
  • Experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or related field, preferably in an automotive paint shop.
  • Demonstrated analytical, troubleshooting, project-management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, process documentation, and equipment specifications.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a production environment.
  • Commitment to safe work practices and continuous improvement.


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, chemical, manufacturing, industrial, paint, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Knowledge of automotive paint processes, materials, equipment, and quality requirements.
  • Experience with automotive paint shop launches, process controls, or equipment commissioning.
  • Knowledge of electrocoat, pretreatment, sealer, primer, basecoat, clearcoat, or paint application systems.
  • Experience with process control plans, failure-mode analyses, structured problem solving, lean manufacturing, or Six Sigma.
  • Familiarity with paint quality measurement, robotics, automation, or manufacturing data systems.
  • Experience coordinating suppliers, contractors, or capital projects.
  • Manage production and skilled trades employees
  • Ability to manage UAW employees
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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