Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) Associate

Waters Corporation; Sparks Corner (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Waters Corporation is seeking a dynamic associate for its Operations Leadership Development Program. This 3-year, full-time opportunity offers four 9‑month rotations in supply chain, procurement, engineering, and manufacturing operations across CA or MD locations.

As a graduate with an engineering degree, you will develop analytical, project management and leadership skills through mentorship, cross‑functional projects, and international exposure.

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial).
• Internship or Co‑Op experience in relevant coursework.
• Commitment to the full 3-year program.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Complete four 9-month rotations across key operations functions.
• Gain cross-functional exposure and leadership development in manufacturing settings.
• Lead or supervise a rotation project and mentor teammates where applicable.
• Transition to a full-time leadership role on successful program completion.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial)

Internship or Co‑Op experience

Job description

Overview

Position: Operations Leadership Development Program Associate

Locations: California (Milpitas, San Diego), USA or Maryland (Sparks), USA.

Program Length: 3 Years (Full-Time, Permanent; Final Placement Upon Completion)

Overview:

Are you ready to launch your career in Global Operations with a world-class organization that focuses on accelerating the benefits of pioneering science to improve human health and well-being? Our Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) is a dynamic three-year development opportunity designed to cultivate the next generation of operations leaders. Based in California, USA or Maryland, USA, this immersive program offers cross-functional training and hands‑on experience within a global life sciences organization.

Over the course of four, nine‑month rotations, you will gain hands‑on experience across our key capabilities within operations. Each rotation is designed to build critical skills, provide global exposure, and develop your leadership capabilities through mentorship and real‑workplace challenges. One rotation will also include the opportunity to lead and supervise a team. Upon successful completion of the program, you will transition into a full‑time leadership role aligned with your strengths and business needs.

Responsibilities

Three-Year Rotational departments could include, but are not limited to:

• Supply Chain

• Procurement

• Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial)

• Manufacturing Operations

• Chemical Manufacturing Operations

• Consumables

• Instrumentation

• Informatics

• Continuous Improvement / Lean Six Sigma / Operational Excellence

• Quality Assurance

• Environmental, Health & Safety

Program Highlights:

• Global Exposure: Work with cross‑functional teams and gain insight into international operations

• Foundational Experience: A broad, foundational understanding of global operations in a high‑impact industry

• Professional Development & Networking: Gain leadership coaching, people management and technical skills training, project management experience and opportunities to connect with senior leaders.

• A pathway to a meaningful, full‑time career with long‑term advancement potential

• Working in a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility

• Final Placement: A full‑time position upon successful completion of the program

• Competitive Salary & Benefits

What We Are Looking For:

• Upcoming graduates with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Problem solvers with strong analytical and project management skills

• Strong communicators with written, verbal and presentation skills

• Leaders who are self‑motivated, work well independently as well as part of a team, and have a strong attention to detail.

• Individuals who are open to geographic mobility and excited about opportunities to grow within different regions or markets.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial)

• Internship or Co‑Op experience in relevant coursework

• Commitment to the full 3‑year program

• To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require sponsorship (current or future) for employment visa status.

The Operations Leadership Development Programis set to begin June 21st, 2027.

Company Description

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high‑volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high‑quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.