Guided Search Partners (GSP)
Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a global supplier serving Automotive OEM customers with Tier 1 injection molded, painted exterior components. This newly created Manufacturing Engineer role exists to support a state-of-the-art paint line in Tennessee.

This is a great fit for a manufacturing engineer who loves turning data into action—tracking performance, digging into defects, and running structured problem-solving to improve quality and uptime. Paint experience is a plus, not a requirement. Automotive experience is helpful, but not mandatory.

What You’ll Do

• Track and report paint line KPIs and prepare daily updates for morning meetings.

• Analyze scrap and defect trends (top defects), run root cause, and drive corrective actions.

• Lead PDCA cycles and use structured methods (DMAIC/8D/Red X/Six Sigma tools) to eliminate chronic issues.

• Monitor downtime and deliver actionable insights to improve performance.

• Improve data accuracy by identifying gaps in entry/reporting and standardizing the process.

• Support production labeling processes and training to protect inventory accuracy.

• Partner cross-functionally (including a Defect Analyst) to reduce risk and improve quality.

• Help implement automated, real-time data collection for the paint line.

Who You Are

• A true manufacturing engineer—hands-on, analytical, and comfortable in a production environment.

• Strong in root cause and corrective action; you don’t stop at symptoms.

• Clear communicator who can translate data into priorities and follow-through.

• Continuous improvement minded and energized by building something new.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• Experience with data management/reporting and KPI tracking in manufacturing.

• Experience using problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, 8D, Red X, Six Sigma tools; Black Belt is a plus).

• Knowledge of lean/continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred).

• Automotive, paint line, and/or automation software experience (nice to have).

Why This Role Matters

This role is central to making the new paint line perform at a high level—reducing defects, improving uptime, and driving daily execution through data and disciplined problem-solving. You’ll work closely with the Paint Department Manager and influence results quickly.