E-Coat Supervisor/Engineer

Job description

Long Description With presence in more than 20 countries, Gestamp is a leading international group specializing in the design, development, and manufacture of metal automotive components. Our commitment to innovation drives us to create safer, lighter vehicles while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. The E‑Coat Engineer/Supervisor oversees all e‑coat paint system operations, ensuring equipment performance, process quality, and production efficiency. This role supports both maintenance and manufacturing teams through technical expertise, process improvements, troubleshooting, and training. The position leads product launches, equipment upgrades, and throughput improvement initiatives while ensuring safety, quality, and cost goals are met. Key Responsibilities Oversee daily E‑Coat system operations and ensure process consistency. Drive equipment and process improvements to optimize uptime and quality. Lead predictive and preventive maintenance practices; train maintenance and production teams. Troubleshoot advanced system, programming, and process issues. Support product launches and engineering changes. Maintain compliance with safety, quality (IATF/TS), and environmental (ISO) standards. Perform and document lab testing (titrations, solids, film builds, panel processing). Develop and maintain E‑Coat process documentation and standardized work. Participate in audits, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. Monitor KPIs and support the achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Build strong relationships with internal teams and vendors. Education & Experience 1. Bachelor’s in Engineering + 3 years of E‑Coat/engineering experience, or 2. Associate degree + 5 years of E‑Coat/engineering experience, or 3. 7+ years of relevant technical experience. 4. Automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 manufacturing experience preferred. The E-Coat Engineer/Supervisor is responsible for overall e-coat paint systems, processes and operations, supporting maintenance and manufacturing teams. Utilizing technical expertise related to paint technologies and systems, the E-Coat Engineer/Supervisor will lead equipment and process improvement initiatives. The candidate will assist in training of maintenance technicians and operators as well as advanced troubleshooting repairs, programing, and process improvements. The E-Coat Engineeer/Supervisor will lead product launch activities and throughput improvement projects from inception to completion by providing proper leadership and technical knowledge for the maintenance and operations teams. This candidate will ensure proper staffing, training, tools, safety, quality, and delivery objectives are achieved in the most cost effective manner. Duties and Responsibilities Plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate the operations of E-Coat related activities; Recommend and implement process improvements through optimization of E-Coat operations; Develop and implement a proactive approach to ensure maximum E-Coat equipment uptime through predictive and preventive maintenance procedures, as well as training maintenance technicians in their use; Identify, develop, and deliver training relevant to E-Coat operations and systems; Collect, monitor, and implement corrective actions for down time issues resulting from E-Coat operations; Participate in engineering change teams, manage and execute projects for implementation of changes; Remain current with most recent trends and technology related to E-Coat applications and systems; Investigate and recommend continuous improvement initiatives; Assist with design plan, layout, installation, and trial runs of new equipment and/or relocation of existing equipment; Adhere to Quality, Safety, and Environmental standards, policies, and procedures ensuring compliance by vendors, contractors, and associates; Understand and adhere to all required GPS Standards; Perform and document all lab operations in a safe manner (I.E. Titrations, solids testing, film build readings, sample panel processing, etc.); Participate in the creation and support of systems, documentation, and actions to ensure conformance to Quality (IATF, TS), Safety, and Environmental (ISO) management systems; Assist with the development and maintenance of process documentation, including standardized work instructions; Actively participate in Layered Process Audits; Participate in and cooperate with internal and external certification audits, and customer audits, responding to requests for information and answering questions; Support maintenance through spare part usage minimization and achievement of R&M Budget targets; Develop and maintain proper E-Coat documentation; Maintain compliance with all company policies and Health, Safety, and Environmental regulatory requirements; Ensure safe work practices are being followed by all team members; Support quality department with paint related quality items; Assist with root cause analysis initiatives, and implementation of equipment related corrective actions; Establish and monitor departmental KPI’s and customer satisfaction metrics to drive operational effectiveness; Lead and support the attainment of site budgets and objectives relating to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost; Build and enhance relationships with internal teams and vendors, facilitating effective business partnerships and issue resolution. Perform additional tasks as deemed necessary and appropriate. Education and Experience Bachelor of Science in Engineering plus three (3) years of E-Coat/engineering experience or- Associate of Science degree in Engineering or related technical discipline plus five (5) years of E-Coat/engineering experience or- Seven (7) plus years of experience and training in a similar role and environment; Experience in an automotive Tier I or Tier 2 manufacturing facility strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Full scope of knowledge in paint, paint mixing, and paint delivery systems; specifically E-Coat systems Ability to operate a 20 stage SST e-coat system; Working knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical controls Experience with E-coat paint systems and applications SPC training a plus Ability to read and interpret prints/drawings Desire to work in a team-based, lean manufacturing environment Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills Experience with PPG preferred Maintenance/Mechanical background a plus Demonstrated ability to lead teams and projects; Willingness to travel for training, and as other business needs may dictate. Physical and Mental Requirements of the Position Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle, manipulate, or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk and hear Employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted