Manufacturing Engineering Manager -Paint Process

Career Area: Manufacturing Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. "Updated: 09/23/2026 The Paint Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the manufacturing engineering function for the paint shop, ensuring robust paint processes, equipment capability, product quality, operational efficiency, and launch readiness. This role drives process engineering, automation, robotics, capacity expansion, capital projects, continuous improvement, and Industry 4.0 initiatives while supporting safety, quality, cost, delivery, and environmental objectives. The position requires strong expertise in automated paint systems, robotic paint application technologies, paint process optimization, manufacturing engineering, and industrial project execution.

Manufacturing Engineering Leadership • Lead Paint Manufacturing Engineering activities across all paint operations. • Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives. • Ensure efficient, capable, and sustainable paint processes. • Establish engineering standards, specifications, and best practices. • Support plant productivity, quality, cost, and delivery targets. ________________________________________ Paint Process Engineering Responsible for engineering and optimization of: • Pretreatment and phosphating systems • Electro-deposition (E-Coat) processes • Powder coating operations • Liquid paint operations • Paint booth systems • Paint kitchen and circulation systems • Sealant and coating application processes • Curing ovens and thermal systems • Material handling and conveyor systems Key Deliverables • Process capability improvements • Paint consumption optimization • Transfer efficiency improvement • Reduction in paint defects • Quality and throughput enhancement • Standardization of process parameters ________________________________________ Robotics & Automation Engineering Lead engineering and optimization of: • ABB Paint Robots Responsibilities • Robot path programming and optimization • Cycle time reduction projects • Robotic application parameter optimization • Paint atomizer performance improvement • TCP calibration and validation • Robot simulation and offline programming • Automation upgrades and modernization • Digital manufacturing initiatives ________________________________________ New Product Launch & Industrialization • Lead paint process development for new product introductions. • Support APQP and production readiness activities. • Develop PFMEA and control plans. • Conduct process validation and capability studies. • Manage trial builds and pilot production activities. • Ensure successful launch execution with zero quality disruptions. ________________________________________ Capital Projects & Plant Expansion • Lead paint shop greenfield and brownfield projects. • Prepare capital expenditure (CAPEX) proposals. • Define equipment specifications and technical requirements. • Manage procurement, installation, and commissioning activities. • Coordinate with equipment suppliers and system integrators. • Deliver projects on schedule and within budget. Typical projects include: • New paint booths • Robotic paint cells • Conveyor systems • Oven upgrades • Automation projects • Industry 4.0 implementation • Capacity expansion programs ________________________________________ Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence • Drive Lean Manufacturing