Paint Shop Process Manager

Leading the future in luxury electric and mobilityAt Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design – where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, we’re providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.The Paint Shop Process Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle engineering, optimization, and technical oversight of automotive paint processes. This includes managing a skilled team to ensure the implementation of Class A surface finish standards, high first-time quality (FTQ), environmental compliance, and robust process controls across pretreatment, electrocoat, primer, basecoat, and clearcoat stages. The manager interfaces with design, production, quality, maintenance, and external suppliers to deliver a world-class, efficient, and defect-free painted bodies.You Will Paint Process Design & EngineeringLead the engineering of pretreatment, E-coat, primer, basecoat, and clearcoat systemsSpecify and buy off the design of paint booths, ovens, conveyors, and cleanroom environmentsDevelop PFMEAs, control plans, and process validation proceduresOptimize robotic presets and parameters, line speeds, flash-off timing, oven curing cycles, and robotic pathsFollow up the process controls for all paint processes in collaboration with material suppliers, production and maintenance teams Buy off the design mix rooms, dosing systems, and paint circulation loopsEquipment & Automation IntegrationCollaborate with OEMs for integration of robots, reciprocators, bells, and spray guns. Oversee programming and path optimization for robotic paint application. Ensure integration of PLC, SCADA, MES, and paint shop execution systems. Specify and implement automation safety interlocks, vision systems, and error-proofing sensors with the creation of key performance equipment list with regards of by passes, error proofing and back up tools Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). Quality Management & Defect Reduction Establish and monitor KPIs: FTQ, dirt count, orange peel index, DOI, gloss level, and film build variation Lead root cause analysis for paint defects (runs, sags, mottling, overspray, color mismatch, fish eyes, etc.) Lead layered process audits (LPAs), standardized work instructions, and poka-yoke mechanismsManage rework and touch-up processes and reduce repaint/rejection rates Process Control & Continuous ImprovementMaintain DOE (Design of Experiments) for paint parameters and environmental variables (humidity, temperature, airflow) Utilize Six Sigma, and Lean tools to eliminate waste, variation, and inefficiency Calibrate and manage data from temperature profiling systems, film thickness gauges, gloss meters, etc Ensure stability of processes during new model launches and engineering changesEnvironmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Compliance for new systems and materialsEnsure compliance with environmental regulations (VOC limits, air permits, wastewater discharge) Manage hazardous material handling, storage (MSDS), and emergency response protocolsProject Management & Budget ControlLead capex planning, vendor selection, and project execution for new paint shop installations or upgrades and collaborate with manufacturing Engineering team. Track project schedules, budgets, and milestones. Develop cost-benefit analyses for process improvement investments Cross-functional CoordinationCollaborate with Product Engineering to address workability of new vehicle models Support the production team for throughput and availability improvementsInterface with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Logistics for holistic process integrationLead communication with paint suppliers and equipment vendors for trials, improvements, and warrantiesYou BringMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Mechanical or Materials Engineering Certifications in Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt), Lean Manufacturing, or PMP are preferred 8+ years of experience in automotive paint shop engineering or management Proven track record in managing waterborne/solvent borne basecoat-clearcoat systems Experience with robotic painting, automation systems, and complex production environments Technical SkillsProficiency in PLC/SCADA systems 3D layout tools (AutoCAD, CATIA, Siemens Process Simulate) Data analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, Excel, Power BI)Familiar with ISO/TS 16949, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001Soft SkillsStrong leadership, team-building, and mentoring skills High attention to detail and strong analytical/problem-solving mindsetExcellent communication and cross-functional collaboration ability Work Environment Exposure to paint chemicals, solvents, and high-temperature environments (with proper PPE) Office and shop floor presence required (roughly 50/50 split)May require travel to suppliers, commissioning sites, and technical training centersKPIs and Performance Metrics:First-Time Quality (FTQ) above 95%Global paint appearance A class Defect rate controlPaint consumption optimization (L/m²) Rework/repaint rate < target threshold Project delivery on time and within budget with zero lost working days or recordable incidents At Lucid, we don’t just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs. (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)By Submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice. If you are a California resident, please refer to our California Candidate Privacy Notice.To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Lucid Motors employees. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.