Operational Excellence Engineer

Operational Excellence Engineer I

PPG is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer I to support continuous improvement initiatives at our Cleveland coatings manufacturing site. This role partners with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability through structured problem solving, standardization, and data-driven decision making.

This is an entry-level engineering role designed to build core Operational Excellence and Lean Six Sigma capability while delivering measurable improvements to plant performance.

• Support and lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma (DMAIC), and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Support daily management systems, including KPI tracking and performance reviews.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and EHS teams to improve process reliability and consistency.
• Develop and sustain standard work and workplace organization practices.
• Participate in shop-floor observations and improvement activities to identify waste and implement solutions.
• Support implementation of process changes, including basic risk assessment and change management.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
• 0–3 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, operations, or continuous improvement roles (internship or co-op experience accepted).
• Understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented manufacturing environment.

• Manufacturing experience in chemical, coatings, automotive, or batch process environments.
• Exposure to continuous improvement tools such as DMAIC, Kaizen, value stream mapping, or 5S.
• Experience using Excel and/or basic data analysis tools.
• Interest in pursuing Lean Six Sigma certification.

This role has a salary range $60,000 to $70,000.

About us:

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit

The PPG Way 2030

We are customer champions

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don't stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

We act with purpose and speed

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We are excellent operators

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

We compete to win

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.

We are PPG proud

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit  and provide feedback on the process so that we can do better today than yesterday.