Role Summary

The Paint Process Engineer role focuses on maintaining and improving paint shop performance through process optimization, defect reduction, and rigorous adherence to safety and quality standards. This role is located on site in Normal, IL and will report to the Manager of Process Engineering within the Paint Department

Responsibilities

• Process Optimization (Manual Decks): Analyze and optimize manual deck operations across the entire paint shop (prep, masking, sanding, tacking, spraying, and finesse/polishing) to eliminate technique variations and reduce bottlenecks.
• Automated Sealer Quality: Monitor the quality output of automated sealer cells, collaborating directly with maintenance, technicians, and external contractors to troubleshoot equipment issues and ensure consistent, high-quality sealer application.
• Defect Resolution: Perform root cause analysis (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys) on paint and sealer defects (dirt, runs, sags, orange peel, skips) to implement permanent corrective actions, reduce manual rework, and minimize material waste.
• Tooling Implementation: Evaluate, source, and integrate improved tooling and equipment (e.g., ergonomic sanders, optimized masking dispensers, upgraded spray guns) to reduce operator fatigue and improve finish quality across all manual zones.
• Process Confirmation: Develop, maintain, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Conduct Layered Process Audits (LPAs) to verify adherence to validated techniques, fluid flow rates, and flash times.
• 5S & Contamination Control: Drive rigorous 5S practices across all manual decks and mixing rooms to eliminate dust/dirt contamination, organize chemicals/abrasives, and optimize point-of-use material flow.
• Safety & Ergonomics: Partner with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to mitigate VOC exposure hazards, ensure proper management of combustible materials, and resolve physical ergonomic risks at manual workstations.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead cross-functional Kaizen events and execute cost-reduction projects specific to the paint shop environment.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering
• Experience: 3+ years of engineering experience directly supporting a manufacturing paint shop, with exposure to both manual processes and automated application cells.
• Technical Skills:
  
  • Deep understanding of fluid and sealer applications, paint defect identification, and contamination control protocols.
  • Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, 5S methodologies, and Kaizen facilitation.
  • Strong background in structured problem solving (8D, Ishikawa) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
  • Experience conducting time studies, line balancing, and ergonomic risk assessments.
• Communication: Ability to write clear technical documentation and effectively train, audit, and collaborate with shop-floor paint technicians, maintenance teams, and external contractors.

Pay Disclosure

The salary range for this role is $78,200-$97,700 for Illinois based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.

You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than September 12th, 2026.