Design Engineer Co-Op, Jan-Jun 2027 at Watts Water

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.

The Watts Design Engineer Co-Op Program is your opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering projects. As a Design Engineering Co-Op, you will work alongside experienced engineers supporting the development, improvement, testing, and documentation of products used in commercial, residential, industrial, and municipal water systems. You'll gain hands-on experience in product design, validation, and manufacturing while contributing to meaningful business objectives.

This role is hybrid and based in North Andover, MA. This role is full-time, January-June 2027.

Scope of Position
We are seeking a motivated engineering student interested in product design and development. The Design Engineering Co-Op will support the Product Engineering Team in developing new products and enhancing existing products through design, testing, analysis, and documentation activities.

The successful candidate will apply engineering principles to solve technical challenges, develop practical design solutions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, the Co-Op will gain exposure to the complete product development lifecycle, from concept generation through testing and manufacturing implementation.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in the design and development of new products and product improvements.
Create and update engineering documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and test reports.
Support engineering analysis to evaluate product concepts, performance, and feasibility.
Participate in product testing and validation activities, including data collection and documentation of results.
Assist with comparative product testing and evaluation.
Utilize 3D CAD software to develop and revise product designs.
Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) initiatives.
Organize engineering data, test results, and project documentation.
Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Product Management teams.
Assist engineering staff with technical problem-solving and project execution.

Learning Opportunities

Gain hands-on experience in product design and development within a manufacturing environment.
Learn how engineering concepts progress from design through testing, validation, and production.
Develop proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and engineering documentation.
Participate in laboratory testing and product performance evaluation.
Gain exposure to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
Exposure to design for forging, casting, stamping, metal and plastic injection molding processes.
Learn how cross-functional teams collaborate to bring products to market.
Visit manufacturing facilities and observe production processes.
Build project management, communication, and professional networking skills.
Shadow experienced engineers to understand day-to-day engineering activities and project execution.

Required Qualifications

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred.
Familiarity with engineering design principles and product development processes.
Experience with 3D CAD software; Autodesk Inventor experience preferred.
Familiarity with DAQ systems, Python programing, and electro-mechanical devices.
Basic understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T concepts.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications.
Interest in product design, manufacturing, and water technologies.
Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior internship, co-op, project, or laboratory experience.
Exposure to engineering analysis tools such as FEA, CFD, simulation, or Design of Experiments.
Experience with DAQ systems, Python programing, product testing and data analysis.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials selection.
Knowledge of plumbing, HVAC, hydronic heating, or water systems.

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 in an office environment. You will be required to work in the office at the No. Andover location three days per week (Monday – Wednesday) and can work remotely two days per week (Thursday and Friday).

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.

Pay Range

The expected salary for this position is $23.00-$25.00/hr. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

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.

#LIHybrid

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.