At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead paint development and ensure top-notch finishes for our iconic motorcycles.
- Company: Join a legendary British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of motorcycle excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in paint processes and strong engineering background required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
We’re not just another bike brand - we're an iconic, British motorcycle brand with over 120 years of history behind us. Our new state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull, West Midlands are home to a tight-knit, but ever-expanding team that's passionate about delivering exquisite riding experiences to our customers. Under new ownership and proud to be part of the TVS Motor family, we're entering a new era of global success. And we want you to be a part of it!
At Norton, we value respect, trust, and responsibility. We trust our employees to execute their roles exceptionally and professionally, and we value personal development, teaching, and learning. When you join our team, you'll have the opportunity to grow and learn alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in the business. So if you're passionate about motorcycles and looking to join a team that's shaping the future of this legendary brand, we'd love to hear from you!
The Paint Development Engineer will serve as Norton’s in-house paint expert, providing technical leadership across paint development, supplier performance, new product design support, and quality improvement initiatives. This role requires deep technical expertise in paint technologies and strong cross-functional collaboration to ensure world-class paint finishes that meet both aesthetic and durability expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide early-stage design feedback to Engineering teams to ensure paintability of new products
- Lead development, testing, and approval of new colours and finishes
- Support aesthetic standard creation, implementation, and deployment across the supply chain
- Apply in-depth knowledge of liquid painting, powder coating, pre-treatment, electro-deposition, and paint application on ABS, aluminium, steel, and carbon fibre components
- Troubleshoot paint application issues, including electrocoating and powder application defects
- Provide hands-on expertise in paint repair for ABS, carbon fibre, and aluminium components
- Prepare specifications for new equipment, fixtures, jigs, and tooling
- Lead process and facility re-engineering projects to meet QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) targets
- Drive paint-related cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement projects
- Develop and maintain Norton’s paint supply chain, including UK-based procurement through SAP
- Lead supplier development activities, improving capabilities and resolving paint quality issues
- Set, implement, and police aesthetic paint standards across suppliers and internal operations
- Implement TS16949 methodologies such as PFD, PFMEA, QCPC, FPDR, and TPDR
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience in paint processes - ideally from a paint plant, automotive environment, or as a Paint Supplier Development Engineer
- Technical or Engineering qualification, ideally in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
- Strong background in manufacturing and working with supply bases
- Commercial awareness, with the ability to assess the cost impact of paint techniques, standards, and bespoke finishes
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
Preferred Experience
- Automotive industry background (Tier 2 paint suppliers desirable)
- Experience with bespoke or custom paintwork solutions for customers
- Experience setting and maintaining paint supply chains and aesthetic standards
Rewards of working for Norton:
We like to take care of our Nortoneers and we think we offer some pretty decent rewards. Here's what you'll get when you join the team: Competitive salary package that recognises your skills and experience. A whopping 33 days of holiday.
Paint Development Engineer in Solihull employer: The Norton Motorcycle
At Norton, we pride ourselves on being more than just a motorcycle brand; we are a family that values respect, trust, and responsibility. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Solihull foster a collaborative work culture where personal development is encouraged, and employees can thrive alongside passionate colleagues. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a commitment to employee well-being, joining our team means becoming part of a legendary brand that is shaping the future of motorcycling.
