We are seeking an experienced and proactive Product Development Specialist Automotive Painting & Surface Finishing to support the development validation and industrialisation of paint and surface treatment processes for NAFFCO fire trucks ambulances and specialized vehicles.
The role will act as a key interface between Engineering Manufacturing Quality and Suppliers to define surface finishing requirements execute development trials and ensure that paint systems meet NAFFCO standards for aesthetics corrosion protection durability safety and manufacturability .
Develop define and document complete paint and surface finishing process specifications for vehicles and components.
Cover end-to-end processes including surface preparation pretreatment (cleaning phosphating conversion coating e-coat) primer basecoat clearcoat and curing cycles.
Establish process parameters material specifications and inspection standards for production readiness.
Lead paint trials in laboratory pilot and pre-production environments.
Plan and execute process validation studies including parameter optimization and performance benchmarking.
Analyse results and define optimized process windows for production implementation.
Define and control surface preparation and pretreatment systems to ensure adhesion corrosion resistance and long-term durability.
Ensure compatibility of coating systems with substrates welding/joining methods and assembly processes.
Work closely with Design Engineering Materials Engineering and Manufacturing teams during product development stages.
Participate in design reviews and DFMEA activities to identify risks related to surface finishing and propose mitigation actions.
Define acceptance criteria for paintable designs and manufacturability.
Develop and implement inspection and test methods for:
Film thickness
Adhesion (cross-cut pull-off)
Gloss and color matching
Durability (salt spray humidity stone chip abrasion)
Define quality standards and ensure alignment with NAFFCO vehicle requirements.
Prepare and maintain process control plans work instructions inspection test plans (ITPs) and training documentation.
Standardize paint processes across product lines to ensure consistency and repeatability.
Investigate paint defects process failures and field complaints.
Lead structured root cause analysis (8D / CAPA) and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Verify effectiveness of implemented solutions.
Support supplier evaluation audits and qualification of paint and coating systems.
Review supplier technical data process capability and compliance with NAFFCO specifications.
Approve materials based on validation and performance testing.
Drive cost optimization initiatives related to paint consumption cycle time and rework reduction.
Support environmental improvements including VOC reduction waste minimization and safer chemical handling practices.
Contribute to continuous improvement of surface finishing processes and technologies.
Support pilot builds pre-production runs and industrial ramp-up activities.
Ensure smooth transition of developed processes into full-scale manufacturing.
36 years of experience in automotive painting surface finishing or coatings process development within OEM or Tier-1 suppliers.
Hands-on knowledge of:
E-coat / electrodeposition
Primer / basecoat / clearcoat systems
Powder coating (advantageous)
Surface pretreatment and corrosion protection systems
Experience in paint testing and validation methods including:
Adhesion testing
Gloss and color measurement
Film thickness measurement
Environmental durability testing (salt spray humidity abrasion)
Strong experience in quality tools:
8D problem solving
Root cause analysis
FMEA / DFMEA
Ability to prepare technical reports process documentation and training materials.
Strong communication skills with ability to work across engineering production and suppliers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with PLM / ERP systems is an advantage.
Bachelors degree in Materials Science Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
Certification or training in coatings technology corrosion engineering or surface science is preferred.
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in automotive paint or surface finishing development with proven hands-on exposure to:
Paint trials and process optimization
Surface testing and validation
Cross-functional collaboration for industrialization of coating systems
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