Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development, establishment, optimization, and standardization of topcoat painting processes to ensure product appearance quality meets customer requirements.
• Analyze and resolve topcoat painting quality issues on the production line, including orange peel, runs and sags, dirt inclusions, pinholes, color variation, poor adhesion, and other coating defects.
• Validate and continuously optimize paint materials, process parameters, and painting equipment to improve production stability and product consistency.
• Support new product and new material introductions through process validation and production launch activities to ensure successful implementation.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs), including First Pass Yield (FPY), rework rate, and paint consumption, while driving cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and optimization of painting equipment, paint supply systems, robot programs, and fixtures.
• Develop, maintain, and update process documentation, work instruction, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and paint suppliers to continuously improve painting process capability and product appearance quality.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance painting efficiency, material utilization, and production throughput.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in industrial coating/painting processes, preferably in heavy equipment, automotive, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of topcoat painting technologies (e.g., spray coating, electrostatic painting, robotic painting systems).
• Solid understanding of coating defect analysis and root cause problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma tools).
• Familiarity with paint materials (solvent-based, water-based coatings) and surface treatment processes.
• Experience with process control documentation such as PFMEA, Control Plans, and Standard Work.
• Strong data analysis skills with ability to drive improvements in FPY, scrap, and process stability.
• Good cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple improvement projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Fluent in English for technical communication and documentation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in robotic painting programming and automation systems.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above preferred).
• Knowledge of EHS regulations related to coating processes.
• Familiarity with Caterpillar Production System (CPS) or similar operational excellence frameworks.
• Proficiency in digital tools such as Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate, with the ability to leverage technology to improve business processes and operational efficiency.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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