Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Coating & Bonding

Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Coatings & Bonding The Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer – Coatings & Bonding is a technical leadership role responsible for ensuring the highest levels of quality, safety, and durability across coating, sealing, e‑coat, and structural bonding processes. The role supports new product introduction and plant launch activities, drives robust quality systems, and serves as the subject matter expert for adhesive and coating technologies within automotive manufacturing. Responsibilities Serve as the technical quality authority for coating, sealing, e‑coat, and bonding processes. Develop, implement, and maintain control plans, inspection plans, and quality standards for coatings and bonded structures. Lead validation of adhesives, coatings, cure cycles, and long‑term durability performance. Support new plant and product launches, including definition of testing equipment and process capability. Lead root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions for coating and bonding defects. Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Product Development teams. Manage supplier quality expectations for coatings, sealants, and adhesive materials. Conduct process audits and ensure compliance with IATF16949, AIAG, and internal quality standards. Support APQP activities including PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and PPAP. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve robustness, efficiency, and quality performance. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to coatings and bonding. Qualifications 12+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree; 8 years with Master's; 5 years with PhD or equivalent experience. Expert‑level knowledge of coating, e‑coat, sealing, and adhesive bonding technologies. Extensive experience with glass bonding, structural adhesives, and panel bonding applications. Deep understanding of product and process development, including plant and vehicle launch activities. Advanced proficiency with automotive quality tools and standards (IATF16949, AIAG, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC). Proven ability to lead complex problem solving and drive corrective actions across organizations. Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional and supplier teams. Demonstrated leadership in fast‑paced, start‑up or transformation environments. OEM or Tier1 automotive manufacturing experience. Experience supporting electric vehicle or advanced vehicle platforms. Background in materials science related to coatings and adhesives. Experience leading audits, regulatory compliance, and customer quality interactions. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity andAffirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at slate‑View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr