Job Title: Process Improvement SpecialistJob Description
The Process Improvement Specialist supports manufacturing and field operations by analyzing quality failures, identifying root causes using process analysis and heat mapping, and developing clear, repeatable work instructions for rework and repair activities. This highly hands-on role works closely with manufacturing, quality, and field service teams to ensure tanks and weldments meet quality requirements in production and during rework. The position requires a strong technical background at the associate degree or equivalent level and the ability to translate engineering intent into practical, technician-friendly instructions.
Responsibilities
Use heat mapping and defect trending to identify failure patterns across weld stations, processes, equipment, and shifts.
Investigate quality issues such as leak failures, weld defects, and dimensional distortion in manufacturing and field environments.
Correlate defects to process variables, including heat input, fixturing, sequence, and material characteristics.
Partner with field service teams to evaluate rework needs and define appropriate repair methods for tanks and weldments.
Develop and maintain clear, detailed work instructions for rework, field repairs, and special inspections.
Provide technical guidance and support during complex rework situations to ensure safe, effective, and compliant repairs.
Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities to address recurring issues.
Recommend improvements to welding parameters, tooling, fixturing, and rework practices to enhance quality and efficiency.
Serve as a technical liaison across manufacturing, quality, and field service teams to align processes and expectations.
Analyze inspection, rework, and production data to identify trends and opportunities for process improvement.
Create visual summaries such as heat maps and trend charts to communicate findings and recommendations.
Maintain accurate documentation, including inspection reports, nonconformance reports, and work instructions, to support quality systems and audits.
Essential Skills
At least 3 years of experience in manufacturing or process improvement roles.
Strong quality assurance and quality engineering skills with a focus on quality analysis and failure investigation.
Hands-on experience identifying quality failure patterns and performing thorough root cause failure analysis (RCA).
Proficiency in supporting and documenting corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Skilled in blueprint and drawing reading to interpret engineering requirements and specifications.
Solid understanding of weldment, welding, and fabrication processes and their impact on product quality.
Experience with fabrication inspection and quality verification activities.
Ability to write, revise, and maintain clear, technician-friendly work instructions and inspection reports.
Experience analyzing inspection, rework, and production data and presenting results using visual tools such as heat maps and trend charts.
Strong troubleshooting skills for addressing nonconformances and developing effective rework and repair plans.
Knowledge of documenting and managing nonconformance reports and inspection reports within a quality system.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent practical experience in manufacturing or process engineering.
Fabrication or weldment experience in a production or field environment.
Experience working closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, and field service.
Ability to translate engineering intent into practical, step-by-step instructions for technicians and welders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly document processes and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Detail-oriented approach with a focus on repeatability, consistency, and compliance with quality standards.
Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing and welding assembly environment focused on tank and weldment production and rework. The position is highly hands-on and requires regular presence on the shop floor and in areas where welding, fabrication, and inspection activities take place. Standard hours follow a Monday through Friday, first-shift schedule, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, with a team-oriented and supportive culture that encourages open communication between manufacturing, quality, and field service groups. Appropriate industrial attire and adherence to safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements are expected in production and welding areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Vandalia, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $110000.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Vandalia,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
