Quality Engineer - Paint Shop

1. Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor paint shop operations (pretreatment, primer, base coat, topcoat, clear coat, curing, etc.) for compliance with standards.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, work instructions, and control plans.
• Verify correct paint mixing ratios, viscosity, temperature, and humidity controls.
• Conduct in-process and final inspection of painted components.
• Perform quality tests such as gloss, color shade matching, adhesion, film thickness, orange peel, salt spray (corrosion resistance), and surface appearance checks.
• Maintain inspection records as per ISO/TS/IATF standards.
• Identify paint defects (runs, sags, fish eyes, blistering, pinholes, overspray, peeling, etc.) and analyze root causes using quality tools (5 Why, Ishikawa, etc.).
• Coordinate with production and maintenance to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for reducing rework/rejection rates.
• Inspect incoming paints, thinners, chemicals, pretreatment solutions, and consumables for quality compliance.
• Liaise with paint suppliers for batch approvals, quality issues, and technical support.
• Maintain quality records, control plans, inspection reports, and test certificates.
• Support audits (internal, customer, ISO/IATF, environmental compliance).
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and statutory regulations for paint shop operations.
• Work with Production, Maintenance, and R&D for new product development (NPD) trials and paint process validation. Support training of operators/inspectors in paint defect identification and quality standards.

2. Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of painting processes (powder coating, liquid painting, electro-deposition, automotive body painting, etc.). Familiarity with quality tools: SPC, MSA, FMEA, APQP, PPAP, 8D, CAPA.
• Proficiency in using inspection instruments (DFT meter, gloss meter, cross-hatch adhesion tester, humidity/temp monitor, salt spray chamber). Analytical and problem-solving skills for defect analysis.
• Good communication, reporting, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Knowledge of ISO 13485, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and OHSAS/ISO 45001 systems.

3. Qualifications / Experience: Education

• Diploma/B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Chemical / Production / Paint Technology. 25 years (Engineer) / 5–10 years (Senior Engineer) in a paint shop quality function, preferably in automotive, industrial coating, or consumer goods.