Senior Manufacturing Engineer, New Product Engineering

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our Manufacturing Engineering Team. This role combines expertise in manufacturing processes with lean manufacturing tools to eliminate waste, improve productivity, and enhance product quality. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will play a critical role in the New Product Development process, ensuring products are accelerated to market without compromising cost or quality in the manufacturing of wholesale construction materials, hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and supplies.

Scope of Position

Under the guidance of the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, this individual will research, justify, and manage capital equipment purchases, lead Kaizen teams, and develop manufacturing methods that drive efficiency and safety.

This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager. This role is onsite and is based in St. Pauls, NC.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• New Product Development
  • Participate in the new product development process to ensure all manufacturing engineering deliverables are met in a timely manner.
  • Design machinery, tools, and fixtures using 3D solid modeling software.
  • Initiate and implement productivity projects, including capital equipment purchases.
  • Develop, evaluate, and refine manufacturing methods, leveraging knowledge of product design, materials, processes, and tooling.
  • Assist in creating process control plans and work instructions, ensuring adherence to quality control standards.
  • Evaluate best available technologies.
  • Provide input (labor, materials, utilities, consumables, etc.) for use in financial models.

• Post-Launch Support
  • Provide daily technical support for operations involving machining, metal fabrication, assembly, and valve testing.
  • Provide necessary support to resolve any field complaints.
  • Apply Six Sigma tools to improve process capability, repeatability, first-pass yields, and conformance to quality requirements.
  • Lead Kaizen and continuous improvement events to enhance quality, productivity, and safety outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Proficiency in solid modeling and CAD software, with tool and fixture design experience.
• Hands-on skills using basic mechanical tools for assembly/fabrication tasks.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles and tools.
• Experience with injection molding and Injection molding tool design required.
• Experience with new product development process via a stage gate process required.
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience managing capital equipment projects from concept through implementation.
• SAP knowledge a plus.
• Knowledge of Autodesk Inventor a plus.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency. 
• Punctuality and dependability. 
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions. 
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts. 
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees. 
• Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.  

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working onsite at a manufacturing facility and  perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the St Pauls location Monday – Friday. Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements

Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.