Controls/Automation Engineer Job

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 $95,000 to $115,000 per year.  
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

Controls/Automation Engineer

Armstrong World Industries has an opportunity for a Project / Sr. Project Engineer focused on advancing manufacturing performance through the integration of mechanical systems, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions.

This role operates at the intersection of manufacturing, digital technology, and advanced analytics—driving measurable improvements in plant productivity, reliability, and decision-making. It is an operationally connected role requiring strong plant engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving to bring digital solutions into real-world manufacturing environments.

What You’ll Be Doing

Digital Innovation & Advanced Analytics

• Lead the identification and deployment of AI, data analytics, and modeling solutions across multiple manufacturing plants.
• Develop diagnostic, predictive, and optimization models to improve performance and decision-making.
• Support and scale technologies such as process monitoring, automated alignment systems, and intelligent detection/measurement tools.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in AI, machine learning, and smart manufacturing.

Plant Engagement & Implementation

• Partner directly with plant teams to identify high-value opportunities and translate them into actionable solutions.
• Pilot, implement, and troubleshoot digital and analytical solutions in real manufacturing environments.
• Integrate mechanical systems knowledge with digital tools to enhance equipment performance and process capability.
• Support adoption of new technologies and ensure solutions deliver measurable business impact.

Project Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects across R&D, manufacturing, automation, and external partners.
• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, ensuring prioritization and successful execution.
• Translate complex technical solutions into clear, actionable business value for stakeholders.
• Contribute to AI ideation, innovation sessions, and technology scouting efforts.

What Will Make You Successful

• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, operationally intensive environment with strong plant interaction and hands-on engagement.
• Strong capability to translate real manufacturing problems into analytical, digital, or AI-driven solutions.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects while balancing technical depth and business priorities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to connect technical outputs to measurable business value.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across operations, engineering, and leadership teams.
• Practical mindset—able to move from concept → pilot → implementation → scale.
• Comfortable working both on the plant floor and in data/analytics environments, bridging the gap between theory and execution.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Experience applying AI/ML or advanced analytics in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Strong programming or data analytics background (e.g., Python, SQL, Power BI, Minitab).
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools (e.g., FEA, ANSYS, Autodesk, GaBi, Odeon).
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude with ability to prototype and work with equipment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as:
  • Conveyors
  • Cutting, sanding, painting, packaging
  • Board mills or similar industrial systems
• Experience with 3D modeling software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Advanced degree or relevant experience in Data Science, Analytics, or AI preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or digital/analytics roles.
• Demonstrated experience applying data analytics, modeling, or AI/ML in industrial settings.
• Proven ability to manage projects and drive implementation of new technologies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Travel: Up to 25% to manufacturing plants, suppliers, and/or conferences

Why should you join Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is an Americas leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications including ceilings, specialty walls and exterior metal solutions. With approximately $1.4 billion in revenue, AWI has about 3,700 employees and a manufacturing network of 21 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 160 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 architectural 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 (Lancaster PA)

Lancaster, PA. A great central location in South Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster is ideally situated for easy access to major metropolitan cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York City. Lancaster offers a vibrant arts and entertainment community with wonderful historic sites, B&Bs, museums, great shopping, entertainment venues and restaurants.

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. 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