Scientist​/Sr​/Principal; Business & Operations Support

Primary location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Relocation offered: No
Employment status: Full-Time
Travel: 11%–25%
Non-compete: No

The estimated base salary range for this role is $100,000 to $132,000 per year. Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors.

• Provide technical support to manufacturing sites, including troubleshooting, test design, data analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Partner with plant teams to plan and execute productivity and process improvement initiatives.
• Lead projects focused on:
  • Cost reduction
  • Raw material optimization
  • New product development
  • Quality improvements across single or multiple sites
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to identify and implement proactive quality improvement opportunities.
• Identify and integrate opportunities across quality, productivity, innovation, and new product development.
• Develop and implement leading indicators and metrics to proactively prevent issues.
• Participate in Lean manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Share best practices and key learnings across the manufacturing network.
• Conduct training and provide technical guidance to Process Engineers.

• Strong ability to apply technical expertise in a manufacturing environment to solve complex problems.
• Proven experience supporting or leading process improvement and productivity initiatives.
• Ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence from the shop floor to executive leadership.
• Self‑starter mindset with strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment.
• Collaborative approach with cross‑functional teams including operations, sales, and marketing.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.

• Experience in:
  • Mineral fiber ceilings
  • Paper manufacturing
  • Coatings or related industries
• Background in wet felt manufacturing operations.
• Experience with quality systems and driving quality improvements across operations.
• Demonstrated success leading cross‑site or network‑level improvement initiatives.
• Strong experience developing proactive metrics and leading indicators.
• Experience training, mentoring, or developing engineering talent.
• Lean Manufacturing experience and ability to drive cultural adoption.

• Bachelor's degree in:
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Material Science
  • Physics
  • Or related technical discipline
• 4+ years of relevant experience in:
  • Process engineering
  • Operations leadership
  • Corporate technical support
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment with a focus on productivity and process improvement.
• Ability to translate technical knowledge into practical manufacturing solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven analytical and problem‐solving abilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 35% to support manufacturing sites, including:
  • Lancaster, PA
  • Macon, GA
  • Hilliard, OH
  • Pensacola, FL

Armstrong 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.