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2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Joe Jones, 38

Joe Jones, 38, Quality Engineer, Rittal North America, Urbana, OH

By Plant Engineering Staff September 9, 2024
Source: WTWH Media

Joe Jones, 38
Quality Engineer
Rittal North America
Urbana, OH, United States

What Makes Joe an Engineering Leader

Joe is recognized not only for his impeccable engineering skills but also for his exceptional ability to diffuse emotional situations over quality concerns. He has a unique talent for stepping into tense situations and calming them with logic, facts, and empathy, often forming lifelong friendships from these encounters. Joe represents his company with professionalism and tact, serving as a role model for his peers on how to handle stressful situations while still arriving at solutions that satisfy everyone involved. His approachability and composure make him an invaluable asset to his team.

Achievements, Advancements & Career-related Industry Contributions

Joe’s career is marked by continuous learning and self-improvement, which have led to numerous achievements and advancements. From the beginning of his career, he has taken classes relevant to his work experiences, which eventually led to a promotion in Quality Supervision at a previous company and then to his current role as a Quality Engineer with Rittal. His extensive training includes certifications from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA), Special Response Teams, and Interior Disturbance Control. These skills, combined with his quality expertise—including a Six Sigma Yellow Belt, ASQ-CQA, MIG welding training, and business writing—have equipped him to handle stressful situations with precision and confidence. Joe’s dedication to his personal growth and professional development is evident in his numerous certifications and his proactive approach to career advancement.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies

Outside of work, Joe is deeply committed to his family and spends most of his time coaching and supporting his three sons, Wyatt, Weston, and Witten, in basketball, baseball, and volleyball. This year, Wyatt will be leaving home to pursue his education at the University of Mount Olive on a volleyball scholarship, a testament to the strong support Joe has provided his children.

Interesting Details

Joe’s attention to accuracy extends beyond his professional life; he once earned the Top Gun Award for best accuracy, a fitting recognition that aligns with his success as a Quality Engineer. Joe’s dedication to his family is also a defining characteristic. He married his high school sweetheart, and together they have raised three sons, of whom he is incredibly proud. Joe often lights up when sharing stories of his family’s achievements, reflecting his deep commitment to both his personal and professional life.

Why Joe Chose This Career

Joe has always had a strong interest in accuracy and details. Early in his career, while working in manufacturing as a painter, he began observing and asking questions about the quality department’s work, driven by a desire to understand the importance of quality in his own tasks. This curiosity eventually led him to transition into law enforcement, where he further honed his skills in accuracy and attention to detail. However, his passion for quality work drew him back to the manufacturing industry, where he became a Quality Control Investigator and eventually a Quality Engineer. Joe’s career path reflects his deep-seated commitment to quality and precision in everything he does.


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