Paint and Coating Engineer
superior charter twp, mi, usa
Posted on Aug 27, 2026
Paint and Coating Engineer
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is seeking an engineer to join the Total Vehicle Development Team of the Material Development Department to support vehicle body exterior paint development efforts for North and South American production vehicles through collaborative work with suppliers and engineering design, manufacturing, and plant purchasing teams
What You Will Do:
- Validate 2K, 1K, and epoxy waterborne exterior body paint systems (e.g., primer, e-coat, basecoat, clear coat, etc.) for North and South American production sites, through collaboration with coatings laboratory team, paint suppliers, plant purchasing and manufacturing teams, and the Hyundai R&D center in South Korea
- Perform paint-related development vehicle quality teardowns and evaluations on site at HMG production facilities, as well as quality audits of current production paints
- Consult with plant manufacturing locations and associated suppliers to support North and South American manufacturing locations in resolving quality-related issues (e.g., paint, e-coat, etc.)
- Analyze paint defects and damage, determine root causes, and propose countermeasures to prevent recurrence for in-plant and in-field vehicles
- Support the development of new testing and material specifications, as well as testing methodologies related to exterior body coatings
- Investigate new-body paint technologies (e.g., chemistries, application technology, benchmarking, etc.)
- May include patent idea submissions, R&D projects, and co-work with Hyundai Motor Group suppliers and the Hyundai R&D center in South Korea
- Travel up to 15% of the time, both domestically and internationally
What You Will Bring to the Role:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science and engineering, polymers and coatings technology, polymer science/engineering, or a related field
- Professional experience in paint engineering, coatings, or materials
- Industry experience performing paint formulation, development, and testing responsibilities
- Ability to explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Excellent time management, self-management, and organization skills
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills
- Project management experience
- Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record
What Hyundai Can Offer You:
- Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
- 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
- Competitive Salaries
- A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
- Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
- Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Flexible Work Hours
Other Details:
- Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
- HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.