Paint Technical Lead

In this role you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimising paint and polishing processes to ensure high-quality finishes on automotive components. This role requires a strong understanding of paint technologies, process engineering, and continuous improvement methodologies. This role requires a strong collaborator to work with external suppliers and internal functions to ensure quality is driven into every part of the paint process. You will also be responsible to maintain and schedule the preventive maintenance program for the paint equipment.Key ActivitiesProcess Development: Design and develop paint processes for new and existing products, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.Quality Assurance: Monitor and analyse paint quality, identifying and addressing any defects, colour match concerns or inconsistencies. Implement corrective actions to maintain quality standards.Continuous Improvement: Utilise lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to continuously improve paint processes, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and calibration of paint application equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimal downtime.Documentation: Design and maintain accurate records of paint processes, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process parameters.Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and R&D, to ensure seamless integration of paint processes into the overall manufacturing workflow.Training: Provide training and support to production staff on paint application techniques and process improvements.Safety Compliance: Ensure all paint processes comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.Qualifications & ExperienceDegree in chemical or mechanical engineering or other relevant discipline. Proven experience in automotive paint process engineering or a similar role. Strong knowledge and experience of paint technologies, application methods and curing processes. Experience in the use of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Ability to use data to drive optimisation of the paint plant.A good understanding of quality conformity requirements within the automotive industry. Able to analyse and embed good paint quality practices. Fully computer literate and skilled in using excel and Microsoft Office to produce KPI reportsAble to work under pressure, make decisions and prioritise own workload to meet production target. Takes ownership and accepts accountability.Desirable Key Skills & ExperienceGreen or Black belt qualified or other equivalent problem-solving / continuous improvement qualification.