Manufacturing Specialist - Paint

Ford Motor Company is seeking a Paint Manufacturing Specialist to lead and elevate its in-house paint and coatings operations supporting Motorsports, race-proven road car programs, and customization opportunities.

The successful candidate will own the equipment selection, processes, quality standards, and team performance behind every painted surface that leaves the shop. They will bring hands-on paint manufacturing expertise together with leadership skills to guide a team, optimize processes, and partner across Design, Manufacturing, and Program teams to grow the business.

Responsibilities

• Provide up-front analysis and selection of paint equipment for a new facility tailored to low-volume applications with a high level of flexibility for customization.
• Identify and implement new coatings technologies, materials, and equipment to improve quality, reduce cycle time, and avoid unnecessary capital investment.
• Design process and standards for surface preparation, coatings application, curing, and finish quality inspection for prototype, race vehicles, and production products.
• Develop and continuously improve paint process standards, work instructions, and quality checkpoints to ensure consistent, high-durability, race-ready finishes.
• Partner with Design and Release engineers and Program teams to align paint scheduling, materials, and finish requirements with build timing and program milestones.
• Guide, coach, and develop a team of paint technicians, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience in automotive/motorsports paint operations.
• 7+ years of demonstrated hands-on experience in automotive or motorsports paint processes, including surface preparation, spray application, curing, and finish quality inspection.
• A practical understanding of low-volume customers and the differences in expectations on high-dollar products versus high-volume products.
• Working knowledge of coatings materials, equipment, and industry quality/durability standards.
• Prior experience leading, supervising, or mentoring technicians or a small team.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner cross-functionally with engineering and program teams.
• Self-starter with a passion for winning and a low tolerance for excuses or shortcuts on quality.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care, and more.
• Family building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.