Paint Facilities Technical Lead

Description

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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.