Research and Technology Co-Op

Watts Water Technologies; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays and PTO

Professional development & education

Fitness reimbursements

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Watts Water Technologies is seeking a student co-op to develop, build and test next‑gen valve technologies, mechatronics solutions, and data analytics projects. You’ll be guided by a Senior Manager, Research and Technology in a hybrid role based in North Andover, MA, gaining hands‑on experience across engineering activities and cross‑department collaboration.

You’ll learn to translate concepts into physical products via 3D printing and in‑house model shop, while networking with professionals to

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree at an accredited college.
• Familiar with mechanical design, mechatronics, analytics, fluids, electronics, or data science.
• Proficiency in Python; Arduino experience preferred.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong attention to accuracy.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
• Self-starter and independent learner.
• Interested in drinking water and Watts Water Technologies.
• GPA 3.0 to 4.0.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualization and simulation of new solutions.
• Design of new prototypes for valve technologies and mechatronic concepts.
• Run experiments and test product concepts.
• Process data from prototypes and auxiliary systems.
• Learn and apply new skills through mentor guidance.
• Support project goals with available resources and planning.

Skills

Mechanical design familiarity

Data analytics

Critical thinking

Verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Independent learner

Self-starter

Team collaboration

Education

Pursuing Mechanical Engineering degree

GPA 3.0–4.0

Tools

Python

Arduino

Job description

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 Co-op Program is your chance to bring what you’ve learned in the classroom to life!

You’ll dive into real‑world projects, gaining hands‑on experience while learning how business really works from the inside. During the program, you’ll get to roll up your sleeves and make an impact on day‑to‑day operations. Plus, you'll have tons of opportunities to network with passionate professionals across manufacturing, industrial engineering, and more—sparking new ideas through cross‑department collaboration. It’s all about expanding your skills, challenging yourself, and exploring where your ambitions can take you!

Scope of Position

We are looking for a driven student who is interested in developing, building and testing next generation valve technologies, mechatronic solutions and/or data analytics. You will receive guidance and mentorship as you teach yourself new skills and apply them to projects. You will learn how to work in a professional environment and have ample opportunity to network with department leaders and other professionals in the Watts Water Technologies organization. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Research and Technology. This role is hybrid and is based in North Andover, MA.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conceptualization and simulation of new solutions
• Design of new prototypes
• Run experiments and test product concepts
• Processing data from prototypes and auxiliary systems
• Learning Opportunities
• Develop realistic and obtainable goals using available resources (coworkers, lab, machine shop, budget, etc.)
• Obtain a deeper understanding of product development and follow a prototype from concept to implementation
• Build necessary skills for communication and interaction with industry professionals and peers
• Opportunity to understand day‑to‑day engineering activities and task management against project schedules by shadowing a professional
• Learn how design concepts become physical products through 3D printing and in‑house Model Shop.
• Visit Watts’ Manufacturing Facility to learn how our products are made.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree at an accredited college.
• Familiarity with any of: mechanical design, mechatronics, analytics, fluids, electronics, data science,
• Ability to program in Python and experience with Arduino preferred
• Excellent critical thinking/problem solving skills
• Ability to gather and synthesize feedback from different stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and do not require sponsorship now or in the future
• Self‑starter and Independent learner
• Interested in drinking water and learning about Watts Water Technologies
• GPA of 3.0 to 4.0

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

• 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 $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.

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.

Watts Water is a global leader of quality water solutions for residential, industrial, municipal, and commercial settings. Our family of brands offers some of the most varied product lines in the world, with world‑class, water‑related solutions focused on: Drainage and Water Reuse HVAC and Hot Water Plumbing and Flow Control Water Quality and Rainwater Harvesting

We are a $1.9 billion global company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with a presence in five (5) continents and twenty‑four (24) countries, and an employee population that speaks over eighteen (18) languages. As a people‑first company, we prize enriching and caring for all who work here not only through words but through actions. This includes executing our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, and providing our employees with meaningful career growth opportunities, a positive and safe work environment, and affirmation that they are heard, valued, and respected.

We are proud to be an organization that believes that a safer world is a more sustainable world – a belief that we proudly reflect in each of our technologies and solutions and our environmental and social commitments, such as our partnership with Planet Water Foundation.

Learn more about the Watts way, here.

Specialties

Plumbing, HVAC, Water Quality, and Gas

Headquarters Americas & Corporate Headquarters: North Andover, Massachusetts, USA

Asia‑Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA) Headquarters: Shanghai, China

Company Size About 5,000 employees

Website http://www.watts.com/ http://www.wattsindustries.com/ http://www.wattsasia.com/

Industry Machinery Founded 1874