Surface Treatment Process Engineer (SME)

About the role

ARENGY is seeking an experienced Surface Treatment & Painting specialist to act as the technical authority for coating and surface engineering processes across aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. The role focuses on enhancing corrosion resistance, durability and lifecycle performance while driving innovation, digitisation and sustainability in coating operations.

Key responsibilities

• Own and optimise surface treatment and coating processes, including Type II/III anodising, chromate conversion, e‑coating and primer/top‑coat applications for aerospace and defence components.
• Establish and control critical process parameters such as bath chemistry, pH, conductivity, temperature, current density, curing conditions and coating thickness.
• Develop and manage automated chemical dosing and mixing systems to ensure stable bath conditions and efficient chemical consumption.
• Ensure compliance with MIL‑STD, ASTM, ISO and NADCAP requirements, implementing PFMEA, inspection methods and coating qualification protocols.
• Lead process validation and testing covering adhesion, hardness, DFT, corrosion resistance, salt‑spray and environmental durability.
• Troubleshoot coating defects, identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement to increase process capability, reduce defects, waste, cycle time and operating costs.
• Support engineering and commissioning of automated surface‑treatment lines, integrating robotics, digital monitoring and automated handling systems.

Required profile

• Degree in Materials Science, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 12+ years of practical experience in surface finishing and industrial coating, preferably in aerospace, defence or other high‑reliability sectors.
• Extensive knowledge of anodising, chromate conversion, e‑coating and wet‑paint systems, including primer and top‑coat applications.
• Strong understanding of corrosion protection, surface preparation, coating adhesion and material compatibility.

Required skills

• Type II/III anodising
• Chromate conversion
• E‑coating
• Primer and top‑coat application
• Process control and automation
• PFMEA and coating qualification
• Adhesion, hardness, DFT and salt‑spray testing
• Root‑cause analysis and continuous improvement