Paint Technician (Automated Paint Line)
Location: Alma, Michigan
Department: Paint Operations / Manufacturing
Reports To: Operations Manager
Position Summary
International Automotive Components (IAC) is a leading global supplier of automotive interior systems and components. The Alma facility manufactures plastic interior automotive components using injection molding processes. These components are transferred to a highly automated paint system where robotic technology is used to flame treat, paint, and finish parts to customer specifications.
The Paint Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing automated paint line equipment, including paint robots, flame treatment robots, conveyors, and associated automation systems. This position plays a critical role in ensuring equipment reliability, paint quality, process efficiency, and production uptime while maintaining a safe work environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Robotics & Automation
- Troubleshoot, and optimize automated paint robots and flame treatment robots.
- Diagnose and resolve robotic system faults and communication issues.
- Support robot path adjustments, teach points, and equipment calibration.
- Monitor and maintain robotic performance to minimize downtime.
Equipment Maintenance
- Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on paint line automation equipment.
- Troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems associated with the paint line.
- Repair and replace components including sensors, motors, drives, valves, pumps, and robotic equipment.
- Maintain paint application equipment, flame treatment systems, conveyors, and curing systems.
- Assist with equipment installations, upgrades, and continuous improvement projects.
Process & Quality Control
- Ensure paint processes meet customer quality standards and specifications.
- Monitor production equipment to identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for paint defects and equipment failures.
- Verify proper operation of paint application and flame treatment processes.
- Work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve issues.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all company safety procedures and environmental regulations.
- Support lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance activities.
- Maintain proper housekeeping standards within the paint department.
- Ensure equipment operates in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Documentation
- Complete maintenance records, troubleshooting reports, and work orders.
- Document process changes and equipment modifications.
- Assist in developing standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance schedules.
Qualifications
Education
- Experience in Robotics, Automation, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 3 years of experience in an automated manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience with robotic programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance preferred, but not required.
- Experience working with automated paint systems, flame treatment systems, or automotive manufacturing preferred.
- Injection molding manufacturing experience is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of industrial robotics and automated manufacturing systems.
- Ability to program and troubleshoot robotic equipment.
- Understanding of PLC-controlled automation systems.
- Ability to read electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
- Strong electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic troubleshooting skills.
- Familiarity with preventive maintenance systems and continuous improvement methods.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred Technical Experience
Experience with one or more of the following:
- FANUC Robotics
- ABB Robotics
- Kawasaki Robotics
- PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
- HMI and industrial control systems
- Automated paint application systems
- Flame treatment equipment
- Vision inspection systems
- Ethernet/IP and industrial networking
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in manufacturing and paint production environments.
- Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, and access equipment for maintenance activities.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment, paint systems, and industrial chemicals.
- May require occasional overtime, weekend work, and emergency call-in support.
- Exposure to moderate noise levels and varying temperatures.