Paint Shop Maintenance Engineer (Process)

Job Overview

The Maintenance Engineer is responsible for improving the reliability, performance, and availability of production equipment. This position develops and implements maintenance strategies, leads complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis activities, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to reduce MTTR and MTBF while maintaining OEE and operating costs.

The role serves as a technical liaison between maintenance, production, engineering, contractors, and suppliers to ensure equipment meets safety, quality, and operational requirements. The Maintenance Engineer also leads equipment upgrades, capital projects, and the implementation of new technologies to support business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop best practices to improve equipment capacity, quality, and reliability.
• Repair, adjust, and maintain production equipment to ensure reliable operation and compliance with process specifications.
• Coordinate PM, TPM, and problem-solving activities of third-party contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Develop planning standards, methods, and procedures for robust PM and TPM processes, equipment downtime containment, and countermeasures.
• Investigate complex problems, analyze root causes, and derive resolutions using the 8D Problem Solving Process.
• Ensure equipment uptime, MTTR, MTBF, and OEE through effective planning and execution.
• Drive continuous improvement processes and support a Lean Manufacturing environment.
• Develop operational and maintenance strategies to achieve reliability, energy, and financial objectives.
• Participate in budget preparation, monitor expenses and profitability, and implement cost-reduction initiatives.
• Ensure highly technical equipment meets required specifications and quality standards.
• Develop and contribute to product and process quality design testing methods.
• Propose and manage medium-scale projects and scope or manage large capital investment projects exceeding $5 million.
• Collaborate with other departments and external providers on project requirements, milestones, deliverables, documents, and reports.
• Train and support less experienced engineers and participate in scheduled team meetings.
• Serve as technical expert for maintenance and modifications involving air supply and handling units, abatement systems, wastewater, pretreatment and e-coat, curing ovens, and paint circulation systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or another relevant discipline.
• Five or more years of relevant experience, preferably in an automotive environment.
• PLC experience with systems such as OMRON, Allen-Bradley, or Siemens.
• 3D CAD experience with systems such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Siemens NX.
• Hands-on experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and computer-controlled systems.
• Experience with process devices such as motor drives, sensors, AC/DC converters, lifts, and conveyors.
• Experience with paint applications, including chemicals, sprays, filtration, pumps, degreasers, hydrocyclones, rectifier processes, anodes, anolyte systems, ultrafiltration, DI water, and industrial paint oven curing.
• Experience with SAP, CMMS, or equivalent management systems.
• Experience with project management, equipment installation, and offline simulations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and process technology.
• Ability to present complex technical information and evaluate alternative solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to anticipate needs and deliver timely, relevant solutions.
• Experience designing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives with savings.
• Ability to troubleshoot, instruct repair techniques, and assist with root cause analysis in stressful situations.
• Ability to read and create blueprints and schematics.

Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees.

Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC is a Ladson, South Carolina-based production entity that manufactures Sprinter vans for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Benefits

• Mobile phone for employees
• Possible health benefits
• Discounts for employees
• Possible employee events
• Parking

Contact

Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC
8501 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy
Charleston, SC 29456
Lauren Ramel: lauren.ramel@mercedes-benz.com