Process Engineer

Position: Process Engineer

Position Type: Contract to Direct Hire

Location: Rochester Hills, MI

Shift: 1st Shift

Pay: $35.00 - $55.00 an hour (Based on Experience)

Benefits:

• Weekly Pay
• Eligibility to enroll in health benefits on your first day!
• Referral Bonuses ($100 per referral) – Ask for details

Position Summary:

The Process & Paint Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, testing, implementation, and optimization of robotic paint, sealant, and adhesive application systems for automotive, heavy truck, and Tier I manufacturing environments. This role combines process engineering, robot programming, offline simulation, application engineering, and customer support to deliver innovative automation solutions that meet customer requirements.

The ideal candidate is a customer-focused problem solver with strong experience in robotics, paint processes, sealant/adhesive applications, fluid delivery systems, and robot programming. This position requires extensive travel to customer sites to support installations, launches, troubleshooting, and process optimization activities.

Primary responsibilities:

• Perform process evaluations, feasibility studies, process engineering analysis, and proposal support for paint, sealant, and adhesive automation systems.
• Design, develop, and implement automated robotic processes utilizing industrial robots, applicators, atomizers, dispensers, and fluid delivery systems.
• Create, simulate, and optimize robot programs offline using simulation and offline programming software.
• Execute project process activities from order receipt through installation, commissioning, validation, and launch.
• Conduct spray testing, sealant demonstrations, customer trials, and laboratory evaluations to determine optimal application parameters.
• Perform process verification testing at modular build locations and customer facilities.
• Install, launch, troubleshoot, and optimize robotic automation systems at customer sites.
• Support paint, sealant, adhesive, and fluid delivery system integration, ensuring proper functionality and performance.
• Analyze paint quality metrics including film builds, color consistency, coverage, and application defects.
• Optimize application equipment including spray guns, rotary atomizers (bells), sealant dispensers, pumps, and fluid delivery systems.
• Provide technical expertise during customer visits, system launches, and sales presentations.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, and customer demonstration materials.
• Troubleshoot robotic systems, application equipment, and process-related issues.
• Coordinate with project teams during installation and commissioning activities.
• Train customers and less experienced engineers on robotic systems, application equipment, and process best practices.
• Provide recommendations for product design improvements, cost reduction opportunities, and process enhancements.
• Participate in new product development initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
• Follow all company safety standards and support implementation of industrial safety systems.
• Provide regular project updates to management and customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience with industrial process engineering and automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience with industrial robotic systems and robot programming.
• Experience with paint, sealant, and/or adhesive application processes.
• Strong understanding of fluid delivery systems, pumping equipment, and application technologies.
• Experience with offline programming and simulation software.
• Experience launching robotic automation systems at customer facilities.
• Familiarity with industrial machine vision systems.
• Experience with six-axis industrial robots commonly used in paint, sealant, and material handling applications.
• Knowledge of industrial safety systems.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other engineering software applications.
• Ability to work effectively in customer-facing and cross-functional team environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.
• Five or more years of experience in paint, sealant, and adhesive automation applications.
• Extensive experience programming industrial robots.
• Experience with dispensing systems, fluid delivery equipment, and automated application technologies.
• Experience with paint spray guns, rotary atomizers (bells), powder coating systems, and fluid delivery equipment.
• Proven experience leading robotic system launches and process optimization projects.
• Experience supporting automotive OEM and Tier I manufacturing customers.

About Spark Talent Acquisition:

Spark Talent Acquisition is a Michigan-headquartered recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that building the right team is vital to success. Listening to our clients and creating customized workforce strategies is at the core of what we do. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to help people grow.