Manufacturing Operations Engineer 1

Watlow; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

401(k) with company match

Wellness incentives

Dental, medical, vision insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Watlow is seeking an entry-level Manufacturing Engineer I to join our team in Columbia Township, MO. You will work closely with a mentor and senior engineers to support manufacturing processes, equipment validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Ideal candidates have a background in engineering, internship or co-op experience, and a strong interest in learning manufacturing systems, lean principles, and problem-solving within a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (or expected completion within the next few months).
• 0–1 years of related experience; internships, co-ops, capstone projects welcome.
• Basic exposure to troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues via coursework or hands-on projects.
• Interest in manufacturing, process improvement, or hands-on engineering work.

Responsibilities

• Support assigned manufacturing processes/value streams as a technical resource for production issues and process questions.
• Monitor process performance (scrap, rework, OEE, throughput, changeover time, labor productivity) and help develop corrective actions.
• Participate in structured problem solving (5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, PDCA) with experienced engineers.
• Help create and maintain standard work, work instructions, and training materials for operators and technicians.
• Support capital equipment projects and contribute to validation plans and production ramp-up.
• Learn Lean manufacturing principles (5S/6S, visual management, standard work, flow) within areas.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

CAD

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CAD software

GD&T

SPC

Job description

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 17, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

Manufacturing Engineer I

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer I is an entry-level role for a recent engineering graduate or early-career engineer who wants to build a career in manufacturing. Working closely with a mentor and senior engineering staff, this person supports manufacturing processes and equipment to help meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals, while developing the technical and problem-solving skills needed to take on greater ownership over time.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Daily Operations Support

• Support assigned manufacturing processes/value streams as a technical resource for production issues, non-conformances, and process questions, escalating to senior engineers as needed.
• Help monitor process performance (scrap, rework, OEE, throughput, changeover time, labor productivity) and assist in developing corrective actions when performance deviates from target.
• Participate in structured problem solving (5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, PDCA) alongside experienced engineers to address issues in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Help create and maintain clear standard work, work instructions, and training materials for operators and technicians.

Equipment & Tooling

• Support capital equipment projects under the guidance of a senior engineer, contributing to requirements definition, vendor communication, design reviews, FAT/SAT, installation, and production ramp-up.
• Assist in developing and executing equipment validation plans (process capability, gauge checks, safety, and reliability).
• Help design, specify, or improve tooling, fixtures, and gaging to enhance throughput, ergonomics, quality, and ease of use.
• Partner with Maintenance to learn preventive maintenance (PM) practices and support equipment reliability efforts.
• Identify and help prioritize continuous improvement opportunities that reduce scrap, improve yield, increase capacity, and reduce conversion cost.
• Learn and apply Lean manufacturing principles (5S/6S, visual management, standard work, flow, pull, SMED, error proofing) within assigned areas.
• Assist in evaluating automation and digital solutions (e.g., robotics/cobots, automated inspection, data collection, SCADA/MES, AMRs) alongside senior engineers.
• Support development of business cases (benefits, CAPEX, payback, IRR) and help track realized savings.

New Products & Change Management

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and transfers by helping define manufacturable processes, layouts, and equipment for new designs.
• Participate in PFMEA, Control Plan, and process capability activities for new or changed processes.
• Assist in processing engineering changes (ECR/ECO) impacting manufacturing, ensuring changes are implemented with appropriate validation, documentation, and training.

Quality & Compliance

• Partner with Quality to help ensure processes meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and agency/industry standards.
• Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA/CAPA) activities for internal and customer issues, including documentation and communication.
• Learn and follow safety, regulatory, and audit requirements related to equipment, processes, and documentation (e.g., machine guarding, LOTO, calibration, record retention).

Technical / Professional

• Foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes and methods (e.g., machining, welding, assembly, thermal processes, testing, automation, vision systems), gained through coursework, internships, or co-ops.
• Familiarity with engineering tools such as CAD, GD&T, and statistical analysis (SPC, capability); willingness to develop proficiency on the job.
• Basic understanding of industrial electrical and controls systems (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, safety circuits, sensors), with eagerness to build skills to support troubleshooting alongside Maintenance, vendors, or controls specialists.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn how to plan, validate, and sustain manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and ask for help when needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (or expected completion within the next few months).
• 0–1 years of related experience; relevant internships, co-ops, capstone projects, or academic lab experience are welcomed.
• Basic exposure to troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues, through coursework, internship, or hands-on projects.
• A demonstrated interest in manufacturing, process improvement, or hands‑on engineering work.

Preferred

• Coursework or internship experience in a regulated or high‑reliability manufacturing environment (e.g., aerospace, medical, nuclear, semiconductor, or similar).
• Exposure to Lean/Six Sigma concepts, structured problem solving, or project management through coursework or certification.
• Familiarity with MES/SCADA/data collection, automated inspection (vision systems), robotics/cobots, or advanced automation concepts.
• Academic or project experience involving equipment build or integration, spanning mechanical and electrical design.

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well‑being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. T he Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits :

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at [e-mail] .