Erin Connelly is an Industrial Systems Engineer at Brentwood Industries, where she works at the intersection of manufacturing, technology, and people. She focuses on modernizing manufacturing operations by connecting systems, data, and processes to improve decision-making on the shop floor.

She holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Penn State University and an MBA from Wilkes University, a combination that reflects her interest in both the technical and operational sides of manufacturing.

Erin’s career has spanned quality, application engineering, and process-focused roles across manufacturing environments including plastics, chemicals, and aviation materials. Early in her career, she worked in application engineering, where she bridged customer requirements with manufacturing realities by focusing on the fit, form, and function of parts. That experience shaped how she approaches scalable processes, quality, and supply chain considerations—and continues to inform her work in manufacturing systems today.

In her current role, Erin supports digital transformation initiatives that move manufacturing away from reliance on tribal knowledge toward connected, data-driven systems. By improving visibility and standardizing processes, she helps teams make more informed decisions while keeping people at the center of the technology.

Erin believes there is no single “right” path into manufacturing or engineering. Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to step into unfamiliar roles have played a central role in her career growth.

She is passionate about supporting and mentoring women in manufacturing and engineering, particularly those navigating career transitions or stepping into technical and leadership roles, and believes the industry is strongest when women are actively shaping its future.