Technical Lead – Paint Auto Finesse

General Motors

Technical Lead at GM leading the design and launch of Automated Defect Detection systems in paint operations. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve paint quality and efficiency.

Posted 6/12/2026full-timeWarren • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Automated Defect Detection and Automated Finesse projects for new paint shops, from early concept and process studies through installation, commissioning, and launch
Define system requirements, develop SORs, and support sourcing and supplier selection
Partner with plant teams and suppliers to ensure systems achieve quality, safety, and performance targets
Support resident engineers and execution teams with implementation of Automated Finesse and Automated Defect Detection systems in existing paint shops
Troubleshoot technical issues on existing installations and work with plant teams to identify root causes and prevent repeat failures
Lead continuous improvement efforts to increase uptime, quality, and repair efficiency
Collect and analyze plant and trial data to identify gaps, trends, and improvement opportunities
Coordinate with suppliers on new technologies, testing, and validation activities
Travel to plants and supplier sites to support installations, trials, launch activities, and problem-solving
Identify opportunities to expand Automated Finesse capabilities and improve defect detection and repair performance.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
Strong understanding of manufacturing systems, preferably in paint operations, automation, or both
Experience leading technical projects from concept through launch
Demonstrated ability to take ownership and work independently with limited direction
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing or plant environment
Comfortable working hands-on with equipment, robots, and production systems
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with plant teams, suppliers, and cross-functional partners
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Willingness to travel to plants and supplier sites as needed; travel is expected to be higher during the first year while learning the systems, then approximately 25% thereafter
Experience with automated defect detection, robotic repair, or similar advanced paint technologies (preferred)
Experience with AI-based systems used to train and identify defects (preferred)
Background working with vision systems, robotics, or automation in a manufacturing environment (preferred)
Experience supporting or developing new technology through trials, testing, and validation (preferred)
Familiarity with paint shop processes, defect detection, and paint surface quality (preferred).

Benefits

Comp & perks

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

automated defect detectionrobotic repairAI-based systemsvision systemsautomationmanufacturing systemstroubleshootingdata analysiscontinuous improvementprocess studies

Soft Skills

problem-solvingcommunicationcollaborationownershipindependencetime managementadaptabilityleadershipteamworkmulti-tasking

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering