The Role
The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for developing, validating, and supporting paint shop manufacturing materials with a primary focus on Topcoat Systems . This work is performed within centralized manufacturing engineering or plant/assembly environments where creativity, initiative, and a high level of independent judgment are essential. In this role, you will collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing sites, and engineering teams to drive material innovation, ensure robust processes, and support high-quality vehicle finishes.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with materials suppliers to develop, evaluate, and approve materials to applicable GM materials specifications.
- Provide technical direction to manufacturing sites and new paint shop teams on proper processes and equipment to support paint materials.
- Support development and testing of advanced process technologies and materials.
- Lead project management activities across equipment SMEs, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to execute new material launches.
- Drive development projects for new materials and applications to reduce cost, improve environmental performance, or enhance product quality.
- Plan and implement material tests and development programs to support problem-solving and technical advancement.
- Participate in the Global Technical Team to drive alignment on new technology development, materials standardization, and equipment requirements.
- Develop new materials testing procedures to validate evolving product requirements.
- Own and maintain engineering documents including material specifications, process control plan templates, PFMEA, Bill of Operations, and Bill of Materials.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
- 5+ years of direct automotive coatings experience with proven expertise in materials, formulations, and application processes.
- Advanced technical knowledge of paint materials engineering, including topcoat systems, curing behavior, rheology, and material–process interactions.
- Strong understanding of paint shop manufacturing best practices, including booth operations, application equipment, quality controls, defect reduction methods, and environmental compliance.
- Working knowledge of material procedures, validation protocols, testing methods (e.g., appearance metrics, durability testing, adhesion, corrosion), and qualification requirements for production release.
- Proven project management capability with the ability to lead material development initiatives, manage timelines, coordinate suppliers/equipment SMEs, and deliver technical milestones.
- Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and development locations as required to support material launches and problem resolution.
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
- Master’s degree (MS) in Chemistry or Engineering.
- Background in Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Metallurgical Engineering.
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