Manufacturing Engineer Co-Op, Jan-June 2027

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.​

As a Manufacturing Engineering Co-op, you will work as an integral member of the Manufacturing Engineering team, partnering closely with experienced engineers to support and enhance production operations. In this hands-on role, you will contribute to the improvement and sustainment of manufacturing processes and equipment for existing products, while also supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

You will help identify, analyze, and resolve quality, safety, and ergonomic challenges by researching potential solutions, evaluating alternatives, and assisting with implementation and long-term sustainment. This role offers meaningful exposure to real-world manufacturing environments and the opportunity to see your ideas translated into production-ready solutions.

This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and is an onsite role based in Germantown, Wisconsin, with opportunities to support projects at the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin facility as well. This is a full-time in person position from January-June/August 2027.

Since the goal is for this to be a learning experience for the co-op as well a benefit for the organization, here are some learning objectives:

• Gain practical experience in manufacturing engineering concepts, including process optimization, equipment improvement, and standard work
• Learn how to identify root causes of quality, safety, and ergonomic issues in a production environment
• Develop skills in evaluating and selecting technical solutions using data, engineering judgment, and cost–benefit analysis
• Support the implementation and validation of process improvements on the manufacturing floor
• Build experience collaborating with cross-functional teams such as operations, quality, and maintenance
• Strengthen professional skills in problem-solving, technical documentation, and communication within an industrial setting

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the production floor team by troubleshooting production issues and providing technical expertise on manufacturing processes.
• Assist in developing and executing capital projects to improve processes, such as installing new equipment, modifying existing equipment, or changing the production layout.
• Assist in continuous improvement projects to improve safety, product quality, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and/or lower costs.
• Support problem-solving efforts, utilizing tools such as root cause analysis, fishbone diagrams, and statistical process control to diagnose and solve production issues.
• Monitor and analyze production data to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Assist in implementing visual management tools and techniques to enhance communication and decision-making on the shop floor.
• Support the creation and maintenance of process documentation, such as standard operating procedures, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Provide training and support to shop floor team members to ensure consistent understanding and execution of processes.
• Support the establishment of labor standards, product costing, and design of manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance, to ensure that manufacturing processes are aligned with overall business objectives and customer needs.
• Assist in plant layout optimization to improve material flow, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that manufacturing processes are aligned with overall business objectives and customer needs.
• Develop documentation related to new manufacturing processes, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process flow diagrams.
• Participate in kaizen (continuous improvement) events and complete follow-up action items.
• Continuously learn new manufacturing technologies and strategies to stay current in industry.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the manufacturing engineering manager or Company management.
• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency)
• Travel Requirements: 0%

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering or related discipline
• Experience using office software products used in spreadsheets, documents, and presentations
• Demonstrated ability to think deeply and critical of processes. 
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of Lean fundamentals.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks, and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualification

• Relevant manufacturing engineering internship or co-op experience.
• Experience with AutoCAD and Solidworks software.

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 on-site at a manufacturing facility and will 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, including safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection. You will be required to work in the office at the Germantown 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.