Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations)

Huf NA, Greeneville (TN) I United States (US)

Senior Paint Engineering Leader (Automated Paint Operations)

We are a leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronic locking systems as well as car access and authorization systems for the global automotive industry. Founded in 1908 in Velbert, Germany, we are an independent, family-owned company with around 7,500 employees at locations in Europe, America and Asia and achieved sales of more than EUR 1.2 billion in the financial year 2023.

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 celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp.

Michelle Myers