Research & Development Intern, Summer 2027

Watts Water Technologies; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO

Paid holidays

Lunch and learns

Educational reimbursement

Retirement benefits

Employee discounts

Job summary

Watts Water Technologies in Fort Myers, FL, offers an internship in the Laboratory team for students pursuing engineering or science degrees. You will support water treatment projects, contribute to instrumentation and colorimetric testing, and analyze data under the Laboratory Manager’s guidance.

Ideal candidates are current undergraduates in engineering or chemistry/biology fields, with a genuine interest in water treatment, a strong sense of integrity, and the ability to pass background

Qualifications

• Current student pursuing a relevant science/engineering degree.
• Interest in water treatment processes.
• Commitment to integrity and respectful teamwork.
• Ability to pass background checks and pre-employment testing.

Responsibilities

• Support water treatment projects with design tools for scalable applications.
• Contribute to instrumentation-focused projects for water treatment R&D.
• Apply biology or electrochemistry knowledge to projects.
• Assist with colorimetric testing activities.
• Analyze and report project data.
• Follow management directions and Watts policies.

Skills

Current student

Interest in water treatment

Integrity

Accountability

Background checks

Compliance with laws

Education

Engineering or science degree

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Colorimetric testing

Job description

About Watts

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.

Internship Program

The Watts Internship 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

Scope of Position This motivated and detail‑oriented individual, as part of the Laboratory team, will support water treatment projects through contributions to instrumentation, biology, electrochemistry, and colorimetric testing activities. The intern will apply engineering or scientific knowledge to support the development of specialized design tools, analyze data, and contribute to scalable water treatment solutions. This position reports to the Laboratory Manager. This role is onsite and is based in Fort Myers, FL.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Support water treatment projects through the development of specialized design tools for scalable applications.
• Contribute to instrumentation‑focused projects that support water treatment research and development.
• Apply knowledge of biology or electrochemistry to support relevant projects.
• Assist with colorimetric projects and testing activities, as needed.
• Analyze and process project data to support evaluation and reporting.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager or Company management.
• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency).

Required Qualifications

• Current student (sophomore, junior or senior status).
• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field.
• Interest in water treatment processes and applications.
• Passionate about your work, with a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully and make an impact.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity and respect in interactions with others, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership of tasks and following through on commitments.
• 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, including required pre‑employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data analysis and data processing.
• Coursework or project experience involving water treatment, biology, or electrochemistry.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation or colorimetric testing methods.

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 onsite at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. You will work at the Fort Myers, FL location Monday–Friday. Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

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 stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to physically move around the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $22-26 The expected hourly range for this position is $22-26 hourly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

What’s In It for You

• People-First Culture – Enriching and caring for people is at the core of who we are; this includes executing our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, and providing you with meaningful career growth opportunities, a positive and safe work environment, and affirmation that you are heard, valued, and respected.
• Flexible PTO Policy – Work-life balance is important at Watts and our interns receive one (1) hour of flexible PTO for every thirty (30) hours worked. Your flexible PTO can be utilized for any type of absence.
• Paid Holidays – Celebrate the holidays with your loved ones and still get paid! You will receive paid holidays off during your time as an Intern with Watts. Where a holiday falls during the weekend, it will be observed on an adjacent weekday.
• Lunch and Learns – Throughout your internship, there will be opportunities for you to sign up to learn and network with some of the key strategic leaders and thought partners within our core operating model!
• Sustainability – For five years in a row, Watts has been named one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” by Newsweek.
• 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

Other Company Policies

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Company Overview

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. 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. 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