Mechanical Engineer - Paint Process

Location

Troy, Michigan | Employee Type: Full-time

About Us

Founded in 1952, Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation (GK) is a privately owned, turn-key supplier of paint finishing systems, commercial & industrial HVAC and mechanical automotive systems within the Kaiser Enterprise.

Together, this team serves a variety of customers in a wide array of markets. The business units compliment one another and provide expertise from engineering to equipment installation enterprise-wide.

Over the years, leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers around the world have come to rely on Gallagher-Kaiser to consistently deliver turn-key solutions to their toughest challenges. We offer a full breadth of services, including design & engineering, controls, iron and sheet metal work, modular, custom air supply houses, mechanical piping, equipment installation, facility launch and program management.

Position Summary

Gallagher-Kaiser is seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer – Paint Process to support the development, implementation, optimization, and continuous improvement of paint finishing systems and processes. This position plays a key role in ensuring paint system performance, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction while supporting project execution and commissioning activities.

The Paint Process Engineer will work closely with project managers, design engineers, controls engineers, field personnel, equipment suppliers, and customers throughout the project.

This position is ideal for an engineer with a strong technical foundation and experience in industrial paint systems who is looking to expand their expertise in a fast-paced engineering and construction environment.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and implementation of industrial paint finishing processes and systems
• Assist in process development for pretreatment, e-coat, top coat paint, sealing, and curing applications
• Perform process calculations and develop process documentation, including specifications, equipment layouts, process flow diagrams, and operating parameters
• Support equipment commissioning, startup, and process validation activities at customer facilities
• Troubleshoot paint process issues and develop corrective actions to improve quality, throughput, and reliability
• Collaborate with controls, mechanical, electrical, and project engineering teams to ensure successful project execution
• Participate in technical reviews and project status discussions
• Develop and maintain process standards, operating procedures, and training documentation
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and lessons-learned activities across multiple projects
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and customer requirements
• Provide technical support during project installation and launch activities

Required Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in paint process engineering, manufacturing engineering, finishing systems, or industrial coating operations
• Working knowledge of industrial paint application systems and finishing technologies
• Familiarity with pretreatment, e-coat, top coat, sealing, and curing processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with root cause analysis and process improvement methodologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to travel to customer and project sites as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive paint systems and vehicle manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting paint system startup and commissioning activities
• Knowledge of paint chemistry, coating performance, and environmental regulations
• Experience working with automated paint application equipment and robotics

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, manufacturing, construction, and customer-site environments
• Frequent plant-floor interaction
• Occasional work in industrial environments requiring PPE
• Travel as required to support project execution and customer support activities

Travel Requirement

Yes

Job Requirements

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Industrial Paint Application
• Paint Process Engineering
• Finishing Systems

Division

Gallagher-Kaiser (GK)