Operational Excellence Specialist

Ball Aerospace; Pittston (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 66,700 - 93,160; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive compensation plan

Onsite work environment

Job summary

Ball Aerospace is looking for an Operational Excellence Specialist in Pittston, PA. This entry-level position focuses on standardizing management processes and improving overall plant operations. The role allows you to collaborate with teams on practical projects, and upon proven performance, could evolve to supervisory positions.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related fields. Strong skills in project management and communication are preferred. The salary range is $66,700 - $93,160 with benefits included.

Qualifications

• Entry level position requiring a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Must have job-related experience in process improvement or project management.
• Manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate plant standardization and management system implementation.
• Lead process improvement teams aligned with plant priorities.
• Collaborate with plant teams for performance reporting.

Skills

Project management

Lean methodologies

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, Supply Chain or equivalent

Tools

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Operational Excellence Specialist

Company: Ball Corporation

Location: Pittston, PA, US, 18640

Date: Jul 2, 2026

Job Category: Quality/ Continuous Improvement

Req. ID: 49961

Primary Purpose of the Position

The Operational Excellence Specialist is an entry level position. It is both a facilitative leader and a learner, operating under the supervision of the Regional Manager Lean Six Sigma or Regional Operational Excellence Manager. The Operational Excellence Specialist is expected to learn and understand the can‑making process and get involved with day‑to‑day operations at the plant. The dual focus is on:

• Leading standardization of the management process at the plant, working directly with employees on all shifts and teams.
• Leading various process improvement assignments and projects that yield bottom‑line productivity, improved throughput and better quality.

This is an entry level development role with an assignment of approximately 2 years. After 2 years, through solid performance, candidates may have an opportunity to grow into a Plant Supervisor role and a path to other future leadership roles.

Essential Responsible Areas

• Plant resource to facilitate and execute plant standardization of the management system and work with employees at all levels to help facilitate, train and track implementation to standard.
• Leads and facilitates improvement teams, workshop teams, and individual improvement projects aligned with plant or department priorities.
• Participates as a team member, problem solving resource and group facilitator on plant or department improvement teams as required; also participates in daily problem‑solving activities.
• Collaborates with plant team to conduct process analysis and performance reporting in support of internal or external client needs.
• Learns and practices Lean tools and techniques (DMAIC, PDCA, root cause analysis, risk assessment/FMEA, kaizen).
• Collaborates with plant training resources to support the development, documentation, training, sustainment and improvement of standardized work.
• Supports and facilitates adoption of best practices to eliminate waste and improve performance for assigned plant or function.
• Required to present, educate, train and facilitate at all levels and to external audiences.

Professional & Education Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, Supply Chain or equivalent work‑related experience.
• Job‑related experience in process improvement or project management experience; manufacturing experience (preferred).

Skills

• Must be able to prioritize multiple projects, perform complex tasks, organize and follow through consistently and work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven team builder and leader.
• Strong written and oral communication, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence upward, across and down without formal authority.
• Willing to take risks, challenge the status quo and work under ambiguous circumstances.
• Intellectually, emotionally and logically capable and confident; has the intelligence and stature to quickly gain credibility and become a trusted advisor.

Knowledge

• Computer‑based skills (MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Benefits

• Expected Hiring Salary Range: $66,700 - $93,160.
• This role will be eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan.
• Onsite Work Environment: This position is based in Pittston, PA and requires regular in‑person engagement on‑site. Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non‑Ball locations may be required.

Ball Corporation is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified job applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, aboriginality, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran status, age, political affiliation or any other non‑merit characteristic.

Under Colorado, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania law, you have the right to exclude or redact age‑related details—such as your date of birth, school attendance dates, or graduation dates—from your resume, cover letter, CV, or other supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, certificates).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visa, now or in the future, for this job opening.

* This position will be posted internally for a minimum of 5 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.