Robotic Paint Operations Lead (Startup Facility)

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Paint Assistant Manager to support the startup and ongoing operations of a new manufacturing facility operating first and second shifts. This position will provide hands-on technical leadership and operational oversight of automated robotic painting processes, ensuring manufactured components meet established standards for appearance, color, gloss, adhesion, and overall quality. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in robotic paint applications, robot teaching and programming, process optimization, and troubleshooting. This individual will play a key role in establishing efficient painting operations, supporting production teams, and maintaining consistent quality and productivity standards. Key Responsibilities Paint Operations & Leadership Assist the Paint Manager in overseeing daily painting operations across first and second shifts to ensure production, quality, and safety objectives are achieved. Provide technical guidance and support to paint technicians, operators, and production personnel. Support startup activities, equipment commissioning, process validation, and the development of standardized operating procedures. Coordinate production activities, staffing needs, and workflow to maintain efficient paint operations. Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and equipment reliability. Robotic Painting & Process Optimization Oversee the operation, programming, and troubleshooting of automated robotic painting systems, including spray guns, pumps, nozzles, and fluid delivery equipment. Perform and optimize robot teaching, path programming, and 3D offline programming to achieve consistent paint coverage and film thickness. Monitor and adjust critical process parameters, including paint viscosity, temperature, humidity, airflow, booth pressure, flash times, and curing conditions. Troubleshoot robotic equipment and paint application issues to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to support equipment performance and continuous improvement initiatives. Quality Control & Continuous Improvement Ensure painted components meet established appearance and performance standards, including color, gloss, texture, adhesion, and finish consistency. Identify and resolve paint defects such as runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, contamination, pinholes, and color variations. Oversee proper preparation, masking, handling, and inspection of components throughout the painting process. Analyze recurring quality concerns, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions. Promote compliance with established safety procedures, housekeeping standards, and applicable environmental requirements. Required Qualifications Hands-on experience with automated robotic painting systems, including robot teaching and path programming. Strong knowledge of industrial paint application processes, spray equipment, and fluid delivery systems. Experience troubleshooting paint defects and independently adjusting application and curing parameters. Ability to provide technical leadership and coordinate production activities in a manufacturing environment. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment and adapt to changing operational priorities. Flexibility to support first and second shift operations as needed. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Yaskawa robotic painting systems and 3D offline robot teaching/programming. Previous supervisory, team lead, or assistant management experience in industrial painting or surface finishing. Experience supporting new manufacturing facility startups, equipment commissioning, or production launches. Knowledge of lean manufacturing, process improvement, and quality management practices. Education & Experience High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification in robotics, manufacturing, automation, or a related field preferred. Minimum 2–5 years of progressive experience in industrial spray painting, robotic painting, or surface finishing operations. Demonstrated experience troubleshooting automated paint systems and supporting production performance. Work Environment & Schedule Newly established manufacturing facility in the startup phase. Operations will run on first and second shifts, with flexibility required to support production needs. Primarily hands-on manufacturing environment requiring regular presence on the production floor. Must be comfortable working around automated machinery, robotic equipment, and industrial painting systems while following established safety procedures. #J-18808-Ljbffr KLA Industries, Inc.