Manufacturing Process Technician I

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company in Columbia, Missouri, is seeking a Manufacturing Process Technician I to support one of our in-chamber product lines within the Columbia manufacturing operation. This hands-on role collaborates with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations to keep processes running safely and efficiently.

You will troubleshoot process issues, perform repairs and changes, and help design fixtures and tooling.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or two-year degree in a relevant field.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with measurement tools and basic manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated data-driven problem solving and structured approach.
• Effective verbal and written communication to operators and engineers.
• On-site work in a manufacturing environment with possible overtime.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support to production by troubleshooting manufacturing process issues and performing repairs to restore safe operation.
• Assist with equipment changeovers and replacement of critical wear components in automated and semi-automated equipment and hand tooling.
• Design, model, and fabricate tooling and fixtures to support production activities.
• Implement improvements and updates to work instructions and standard work to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Support equipment development, validation, and maintenance by following diagrams, manuals, and applicable standards under engineering guidance.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and production team members to support operational goals.

Skills

Reading engineering drawings

Troubleshooting

Data-driven problem solving

Communication skills

On-site manufacturing experience

Education

Technical degree or two-year degree in mechatronics/maintenance/electronics/ceramics

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Calipers

Micrometers

Mills and Lathes

Job description

At Watlow’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri, we combine precision manufacturing with forward-thinking innovation. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our Columbia facility is a critical hub for high-performance manufacturing, engineering, and operational excellence.

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We are hiring a: Manufacturing Process Technician I

Columbia, MO (Manufacturing Facility)

About the Role

Manufacturing Process Technicians provide hands-on technical support to value streams and production cells within Watlow’s Columbia manufacturing operation. This role supports one of Watlow’s in-chamber product lines and works closely with Production Leadership, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Product Solutions teams.

In this position, you will apply troubleshooting principles and process knowledge to maintain, repair, and improve equipment, fixtures, and tooling- helping ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

What You’ll Do

• Provide day-to-day technical support to production by troubleshooting manufacturing process issues and performing repairs to restore safe operation.
• Assist with equipment changeovers and replacement of critical wear components in automated and semi-automated equipment and hand tooling.
• Design, model, and fabricate tooling and fixtures to support production activities.
• Implement improvements and updates to work instructions and standard work to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Support equipment development, validation, and maintenance by following diagrams, manuals, and applicable standards under engineering guidance.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and production team members to support operational goals.

What You Bring - Required Qualifications

• Technical degree or comparable two-year degree in a relevant field, such as mechatronics, maintenance, electronics, or ceramics, or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical prints, and basic wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with manufacturing materials, basic manufacturing processes, and common measurement tools.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems using a structured, data-driven approach.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to explain technical information to operators, engineers, and leaders.
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment and support occasional overtime or off-shift work.

What Sets You Apart - Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in a manufacturing, maintenance, or tooling technician role supporting ceramic production equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical wiring, controls, and mechanical systems.
• Proficiency using manual machine tools, including mills and lathes, to fabricate fixtures and tooling.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing tools such as 6S, standard work, and basic problem-solving.
• Experience working in environments with strong safety and quality requirements.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to industrial equipment, tools, and materials.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and handling of parts, fixtures, and tools.
• Exposure to moderate noise, dust, and occasional chemicals; PPE is provided and required.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend work may be required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Infrequent travel of less than 10% annually.