Paint Shop Maintenance Engineer (Process)

Job Overview The Maintenance Engineer is responsible for improving the reliability, performance, and availability of production equipment This position develops and implements maintenance strategies, leads complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis activities, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to reduce MTTR, MTBF while maintaining OEE and operating costs. The role serves as a technical liaison between maintenance, production, engineering, contractors, and suppliers to ensure equipment meets safety, quality, and operational requirements. The Maintenance Engineer also leads equipment upgrades, capital projects, and the implementation of new technologies to support business objectives Responsibilities Develops best practices to improve equipment capacity, quality and reliability Repair, adjust, and maintain production equipment to ensure reliable operation and compliance with process specifications Responsible for coordinating activities (PM's, TPM, problem solving) of third party contractors, vendors, or suppliers related to the maintenance field Develops planning standards, methods, and procedures to maintain robust PM, TPM processes as well as robust containments and countermeasures for equipment downtime Investigates complex problems, analyzes root causes and derives resolutions. Will use 8D Problem Solving Process to ensure sustainable quality products Ensures equipment uptime, MTTR, MTBF, and OEE by relying on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals Drives the implementation of continuous improvement processes for efficiency to create a Lean Manufacturing environment Develops operational strategies to achieve energy and financial objectives Participates in budget preparation and monitor expenses and profitability Drives and implements cost reduction initiatives while maintaining high quality standards Develop and implement operational and maintenance strategies to achieve reliability, energy, and financial objectives through effective cost control, budget management, and continuous improvement initiatives Ensures that highly technical equipment meets required specifications and high quality standards Develops and contributes to product and process quality design testing methods Proposes and manages medium-scale projects from beginning to end. May scope and manage large capital investment projects (>$5M) Collaborates and takes over responsibilities with other departments in preparing scope of work including project requirements, milestones, deliverables, end products, documents and reports that are expected to be provided by external providers May train and support less experienced engineers. Participates in regularly scheduled team meetings Additional Tasks: Technical expert for maintenance & modifications Air supply and handlying units, abatement systems, waste water, Pretreat & Ecoat, Curing Ovens & Paint circulation systems Will perform other duties as assigned Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or other relevant degree required 5 years plus of relevant experience required, strongly preferring automotive environment including experience with: PLC experience such as; OMRON, AllenBradley, Siemens 3D-CAD experience such as; SolidWorks, Catia, Siemens NX, etc Hands-on experience pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and computer-controlled systems Hands-on experience with process devices such as; motor drives, sensors, AC/DC converters, lifts, conveyors, etc Hands-on experience with process devices such as; motor drives, sensors, AC/DC converters, lifts, conveyors, etc. would be favorable Experience with Paint applications (chemicals, sprays, filtration, pumps, degreaser, hydro cyclones, rectifier process, anodes, anolyte systems, ultra-filtration, DI-water, industrial paint oven curing) Experience with joining technologies, clinching, gluing and fluid technology. would be favorable Experience with management systems such as SAP, CMMS or equivalent Hands-on Programming experience in booth or work cell. would be favorable Hands-on experience in off-line simulations Experience with project management Experience with equipment installation Knowledge & Skills Knowledge of manufacturing methods/procedures and process technology Ability to present complex technical information related to achieving goals of the department Must be able to evaluate alternative solutions and prepare decision making process Proven written and verbal communication at all levels within an organization with good negotiation skills Able to anticipate needs and deliver timely, relevant solutions and actions Proven design & implementation of Continuous Improvement themes with savings Experience in process layout and optimization incorporating asset utilization is a plus Ability to troubleshoot, instruct repair techniques, & assist if needed for root cause analysis in stressful situations Ability to read & create blueprints and schematics Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC ("MBV Charleston") is a Ladson, South Carolina-based production entity that manufactures Sprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian markets The Sprinter plant officially opened in 2018 and serves as a key part of the Mercedes-Benz Vans global production network. MBV Charleston was selected as the first plant in this network to produce the all-new eSprinter, beginning in 2024. The company also continues to invest in the local community through donations to non-profits and schools, as well as active support of STEM education initiatives and volunteer programs Since 2006, Sprinter and Metris vans have been assembled in North Charleston and delivered to destinations across the United States. In 2025, the plant celebrated the assembly of the 5,000,000th Sprinter in the Mercedes-Benz global production network. The U.S. remains the second largest market for Sprinter vans after Germany https://mbvcharleston.com/