Paint Facilities Technical Lead

General Motors•Warren, MI

About The Position

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale. The Role You will serve as the technical lead for the design, installation, commissioning, and launch of paint facilities equipment—specifically work decks, vehicle inspection lighting, fire protection systems, and end‑of‑line paint repair booths. This role owns the full project lifecycle, from early process studies and SOR development through VR/3D model validation, G‑risk reviews, mod builds, on‑site installation, and launch execution. While much of the engineering work is office-based, this position requires hands-on engagement at supplier facilities and on-site during installation, commissioning, shutdowns, and startups to ensure fast issue resolution and safe, high-quality execution. You will collaborate closely with plant teams, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, sustainable workplaces, IE/MSIE, controls, IT, and strategic suppliers. You will also play a key role in the digital transformation of paint shops by coordinating 3D scans, using digital models to validate designs, and supporting device-level analytics to improve quality, uptime, and overall system performance.

Requirements

5+ years of experience working in an automotive paint shop environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and technical experience).
Ability to work independently across the full lifecycle—from early engineering through installation, commissioning, and launch.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, evaluate options, and make sound technical decisions without waiting for direction.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and suppliers, run effective working meetings, and hold stakeholders accountable to deliverables.
Strong working knowledge of paint shop facilities systems: work decks, fire protection, ventilation, and inspection lighting.
Experience developing clear, detailed SORs that drive accurate supplier quotes and execution.
Comfortable using data to challenge suppliers and peers when scope, cost, or timing is at risk.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical content to leadership and plant teams.
Ability to work effectively on-site during builds, shutdowns, and launches, making real-time decisions in dynamic environments.
Experience using data and digital tools—3D models, VR, analytics—to validate designs and improve outcomes.
High attention to detail, including validating drawings, layouts, and presentations before release.
Ability to document lessons learned and integrate them into standards and future projects.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on launch experience in paint shops, including leading installations, commissioning, and startup of paint facilities equipment.
Exposure to controls or analytics (PLCs, device-level data, vibration/temperature monitoring, AI/ML) to connect equipment data to quality, uptime, or maintenance improvements.
Strong digital fluency in paint shop environments—experience with 3D scanning, VR reviews, simulation tools, or controls data—and the ability to use that information to drive design or operational decisions.
Familiarity with AI or machine learning concepts and how they can be applied to manufacturing, quality improvement, or equipment monitoring.
Ability to drive work forward and make decisions when requirements are not fully defined.

Responsibilities

Lead the full lifecycle of paint facilities installations—including work decks, inspection lighting, fire protection, and EOL repair booths—from early engineering through launch.
Develop SORs and lead weekly focus/working meetings to drive alignment, decisions, and closure of open technical issues.
Own and maintain specifications for decks, lighting, and fire protection to ensure compliance with safety, IH, and NFPA requirements while applying lessons learned to prevent rework.
Use VR and 3D models to define and validate deck heights, ergonomics, and layout concepts prior to fabrication, eliminating costly late-stage modifications.
Lead G‑risk reviews, mod builds, installation, commissioning, and launch activities, including on-site leadership during shutdowns and startups.
Partner cross-functionally with plants, ergonomics, IH, sustainable workplaces, IE/MSIE, and suppliers to ensure safe, functional, and on-time project delivery.
Review supplier quotations and challenge scope, assumptions, and execution plans to drive capital savings and cost-avoidance.
Provide hands-on plant support to resolve operational issues, improve safety, and sustain uptime.
Support digital transformation initiatives by coordinating 3D building and process scans and ensuring data is captured, stored, and accessible for engineering and simulation.
Collaborate with controls, IT, and analytics teams to enable Device Level Analytics (DLA) that improve quality, predictive maintenance, and downtime reduction.
Evaluate equipment and supplier options to enhance quality, reduce cost, and maintain approved supplier lists and acceptable alternatives.
Track and manage technical deliverables (MSQs, punch lists, TISs, safety items) through closure and handoff to plant teams.
Share technical knowledge through workshops, training, and documentation to support plant readiness and future launches.