Manufacturing Engineer Co-Op, Jan-June 2027

Location: Germantown, WI

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.

Adh