Chemical Engineer, Paint & Finishes

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices across the globe. Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it's a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are searching for a Chemical Engineer, Paint & Finishes to join our team. This role supports the Fender Manufacturing Plant in Corona, CA by improving the performance of our finishing systems through advanced chemical engineering solutions. The ideal candidate will lead projects that enhance paint adhesion, drying time, and finish quality across wood and metal components, ensuring seamless transitions from development to mass production. This role will require some travel to our other manufacturing locations and vendors' facilities.

Essential Functions:

• Provide oversight and support for current and future paint finishing systems across the factory, with a focus on efficiency, quality, and innovation.
• Develop and implement chemical engineering solutions to optimize drying times, improve paint adhesion, and enhance finish durability.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and workspaces.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including R&D, Product Development, and Operations-to test and transition new paint and chemical formulations into production.
• Prepare the Corona facility for the introduction of new paint systems and resolve production challenges related to paint application and curing.
• Lead or participate in root cause analysis efforts for paint-related defects; propose and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor risks, scope, and timelines for chemical-related projects and ensure consistent communication of status and next steps.
• Oversee vendor relations related to chemical materials and paint systems; evaluate and onboard new vendors as needed.
• Maintain and manage documentation for all projects including SOPs, test results, vendor specs, and training materials.
• Administer technical reports and data presentations to support process changes and capital expenditure proposals.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings related to chemical process improvement and paint system projects, providing status updates and facilitating cross-department collaboration.
• Train team members and production staff on proper handling and application of new chemical products.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with industrial paint systems, coatings, or chemical process engineering, preferably within the wood or automotive industries.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize curing processes and reduce cycle time in a production environment.
• Familiarity with safety and environmental regulations, including VOC compliance, OSHA, and EPA standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Visio, Excel).
• Experience working with cross-functional teams on complex technical projects.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

About Fender Musical Instruments:

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world's leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender, Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, EVH, Charvel and Groove Tubes, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com. FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position. "Pay scale" means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive. The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work. Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role - especially as a new hire - and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Subject to the foregoing, the current pay scale for this position is $78,750.00 to $115,500.00 per year.

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