Huf NA, Greeneville (TN) I United States (US)
Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations) Your Role (TPS Mindset)Own and continuously improve the automated paint process by building stable, repeatable, and waste-free operations. This role is responsible for developing robust paint processes, eliminating variation, and leading a team to achieve world-class quality, flow, and cost performance.
We are looking for a proven paint process leader who not only understands the technology, but takes ownership, drives problem solving at the root cause, and builds sustainable systems that perform without firefighting.
- Own process stability first, then improvement
Establish and maintain a fully controlled paint process (Air Make-Up Unit (AMU), airflow, booth conditions, film build, color position) with clear standards and visual management - Develop robust processes-not temporary fixes
Use Design of Experiments (DOE), confirmation runs, and data-driven decision making to eliminate variation and permanently reduce defects - Lead with Toyota Production System (TPS) problem solving discipline
Drive 5 Whys, Ishikawa, and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) to address root causes-not symptoms. Ensure countermeasures are sustained through standard work - Standardize and sustain excellence
Define, implement, and audit standard work, startup checks, and daily management routines across all shifts - Optimize automation for consistency and flow
Improve robot programs (paths, angles, Z-moves) to ensure uniform film build, repeatability, and cycle efficiency - Build people capability and ownership
Lead and develop a multi-shift technical team to think and act as process owners-not firefighters - Drive Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) performance
Improve First Time Quality (FTQ), Net Equipment Effectiveness (NEE), and cost through systematic waste reduction and process control.
Your Skills- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, materials, manufacturing or related field or equivalent experience
- Deep automotive paint expertise
- 8+ years in automated paint systems (plastics preferred)
- Proven track record of developing and stabilizing paint processes
- Leadership with ownership mindset
- Experience leading multi-shift teams
- Self-motivated, accountable, and drives results without escalation
- Strong problem solver (not trial-and-error)
- Hands-on with DOE, root cause analysis, and process validation
- Focus on sustainable countermeasures
- Technical mastery
- Robot paint application optimization (paths, angles, coverage)
- Understanding of material behavior, film build, and environmental impact
- Quality system knowledge
- PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, PPAP
- Experience with OEM paint standards
- Lean / TPS mindset
- Demonstrated ability to create standardized, visual, and stable processes
- Focus on eliminating waste and variation
What we offer- Stable, controlled paint process with clear standards and minimal variation
- Measurable reduction in top defects and scrap cost
- Improved FTQ and NEE performance
- A team that owns the process and solves problems at the root cause
- Sustainable systems in place-not dependence on individuals
- Competitive pay
- Full comprehensive health insurance, dental, vision, flexible spending account
- Disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off
Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp. Michelle Myers
