Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer Coatings & Bonding

Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Coatings & Bonding

Overview
The Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Coatings & Bonding is a key technical leader responsible for ensuring best-in-class quality, safety, and durability across coating, sealing, e-coat, and structural bonding processes. This role plays a critical part in new product introduction and plant launch activities, while serving as the subject matter expert for adhesive and coating technologies within an automotive manufacturing environment.

Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

What You’ll Do
Serve as the technical quality authority for coating, sealing, e-coat, and bonding processes across manufacturing operations.

Develop and maintain control plans, inspection strategies, and quality standards for coatings and bonded structures to ensure consistent performance.

Lead validation activities for adhesives, coatings, cure cycles, and long-term durability requirements.

Support plant and product launches, including defining testing methods, equipment, and process capability targets.

Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions for coating and bonding-related issues.

Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Product Development teams to ensure alignment and execution.

Manage supplier quality expectations for coatings, sealants, and adhesive materials, including performance and compliance.

Conduct process audits and ensure adherence to IATF 16949, AIAG standards, and internal quality systems.

Support APQP deliverables including PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and PPAP.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and process robustness.

Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to coatings and bonding processes.

What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 8+ years, or PhD with 5+ years, or equivalent experience.

Expert-level knowledge of coating, e-coat, sealing, and adhesive bonding technologies.

Hands-on experience with glass bonding, structural adhesives, and panel bonding applications.

Strong background in product and process development, including plant and vehicle launch experience.

Advanced proficiency with automotive quality tools and standards such as IATF 16949, AIAG, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC.

Proven ability to lead complex problem-solving efforts and drive corrective actions across teams.

Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth, or transformational manufacturing environments.

Background in OEM or Tier 1 automotive manufacturing, with exposure to electric or advanced vehicle platforms preferred.

Knowledge of materials science related to coatings and adhesives is strongly preferred.

Experience leading audits, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting customer quality discussions.

Compensation
Base salary range: $130,000 – $145,000 annually.

Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, education, and other relevant factors.

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