Process Optimization Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Primary location: Johnstown, Ohio 
Relocation offered: No 
Employment status: Full-Time 
Travel: <10% 
Non-compete: No 

The estimated base salary range for this role is 80,000 to 95,000 per year.  
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

Process Quality Engineer

Reporting to the Technical Services Manager, the Process Quality Engineer supports plant safety, ensures product compliance, and drives process optimization through data analysis, engineering principles, and continuous improvement methodologies. This role leads testing and validation activities, supports manufacturing teams in resolving technical issues, and drives operational improvements that enhance product quality, efficiency, and long-term plant performance.

What You'll Be Doing

Safety & Compliance

• Actively participate in safety audits, risk assessments, and safety initiatives to support a safe work environment.
• Ensure product attributes consistently meet technical specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Support compliance with plant quality systems, safety standards, and operational procedures.

Process Analysis & Optimization

• Lead process optimization efforts using scientific and engineering principles.
• Investigate process issues through data analysis, trend evaluation, and direct observation on the production floor.
• Identify root causes of operational and quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor manufacturing performance to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Utilize engineering analysis and statistical tools to improve process stability and capability.

Testing & Validation

• Plan and execute factory tests to validate process improvements and operational changes.
• Develop detailed test plans and oversee trial execution.
• Adjust process parameters during trials to optimize performance and achieve objectives.
• Analyze test results, document findings, and recommend follow-up actions.
• Ensure process changes are properly validated before implementation into standard operations.

Project Leadership

• Lead and support medium to large-scale projects focused on:
• Cost reduction
• Product quality improvement
• Process optimization
• Energy efficiency
• New product development
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute projects successfully from concept through implementation.
• Track project progress, communicate updates, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.

Technical Collaboration & Troubleshooting

• Apply technical and scientific knowledge to improve manufacturing performance and product quality.
• Partner closely with operators, supervisors, engineering teams, and technical staff to troubleshoot operational issues.
• Support production teams with process guidance and technical expertise.
• Build strong working relationships across manufacturing and support functions.

Continuous Improvement

• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Design of Experiments (DOE), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies to drive improvements.
• Identify performance gaps and lead structured continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coach operators and production teams on process control techniques and standard work practices.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Standardization & Quality

• Develop, refine, and implement standard operating procedures and process controls.
• Ensure adherence to process standards and operational best practices across the workforce.
• Investigate customer complaints and product quality concerns to identify root causes.
• Collaborate with production teams to implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive quality improvements using structured problem-solving methodologies.

Data & Supplier Relationships

• Create and maintain systems for process data collection, tracking, and analysis.
• Utilize statistical software and data analysis tools to support decision-making and improvement initiatives.
• Develop and strengthen supplier relationships to improve product quality and support long-term competitiveness.

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Ability to work effectively across teams and communicate with all levels of the organization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process control, and quality systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on approach to troubleshooting and process improvement.
• Proven ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take ownership of initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to coach and train others on process control and continuous improvement techniques.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DOE, and SPC methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced data analysis capabilities using Minitab, Excel, and VBA automation tools.
• Experience leading medium to large-scale process improvement and optimization projects.
• Strong background in statistical analysis and manufacturing performance monitoring.
• Experience supporting new product development and factory trials.
• Experience investigating customer complaints and driving corrective actions.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across production, engineering, and technical teams.
• Experience building supplier partnerships to improve product quality and operational performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required.
• 3-5+ years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment required.
• Experience in process engineering, operations, quality engineering, or continuous improvement roles preferred.
• Proven experience leading process optimization initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies preferred.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions for quality and operational issues preferred.
• Experience working directly with customers to investigate and resolve product quality concerns preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel functions required.
• Experience with VBA coding for automation and troubleshooting preferred.
• Experience using statistical analysis software such as Minitab required.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in both office and manufacturing plant environments.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and work in industrial manufacturing conditions as required.

Why should you join Steel Ceilings, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1B in revenue, AWI has about 2,800 employees and a manufacturing network of fifteen facilities in North America.

At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.

For more than 150 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:

• Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
• Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
• Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
• Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
• Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.

\About the location (Johnstown OH)

Steel Ceilings, Inc., a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI), is one of fifteen AWI plants in North America. Our Johnstown plant in Central Ohio is located a mere 30 minutes from the capital of Ohio, Columbus, a major metropolitan area. Known for its quaint "small-town America" vibe, its proximity to Columbus, the 15th largest city in the US, provides the best of both worlds. In addition to the numerous golfing opportunities that Johnstown can boast about. There are car cruise-ins, concerts, bike path trails, theatrical performances, street festivals, and antique fairs hosted in the area year-round.

Steel Ceilings, a subsidiary of Armstrong World Industries, is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce.  As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at AWI talent acquisition and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!