Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Watlow; Maryland Heights (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Program

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Watlow, located in Maryland Heights, is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead technical improvements in manufacturing processes. Ideal candidates will have 5+ years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in engineering.

This role focuses on enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency in production. The company offers a competitive compensation package including benefits like a 401(k) plan and wellness incentives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related roles.
• Track record of improving throughput and reducing scrap.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma principles.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements in manufacturing processes for safety and quality.
• Lead capital equipment projects and validation.
• Support root cause analysis for production defects.

Skills

Manufacturing processes knowledge

Engineering tools proficiency (CAD, SPC)

Troubleshooting skills

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CAD

Statistical analysis tools

PLC and HMI systems

Job description

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.

Position Summary

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer drives improvements in complex manufacturing processes to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals, while providing technical leadership and cross‑functional support.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Daily Operations Support

• Own assigned manufacturing processes/value streams, acting as the primary technical contact for production issues, nonconformances, and process questions.
• Monitor process performance (scrap, rework, OEE, throughput, changeover time, labor productivity) and drive corrective actions when performance deviates from target.
• Lead structured problem solving (5Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, PDCA) to address chronic issues in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Support operators and technicians with clear standard work, work instructions, and training.

Equipment & Tooling

• Lead capital equipment projects from concept through validation: requirements definition, vendor selection, design reviews, FAT/SAT, installation, and production ramp.
• Develop and execute equipment validation plans (process capability, gauge checks, safety, and reliability) to ensure readiness for production use.
• Design, specify, or improve tooling, fixtures, and gaging to enhance throughput, ergonomics, quality, and ease of use.
• Partner with Maintenance on preventive maintenance plans, critical spares strategies, and equipment reliability improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Automation

• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement projects that reduce scrap, improve yield, increase capacity, and reduce conversion cost.
• Champion Lean manufacturing principles (5S/6S, visual management, standard work, flow, pull, SMED, errorproofing) within assigned areas.
• Evaluate and deploy automation and digital solutions (e.g., robotics/cobots, automated inspection, data collection, SCADA/MES, AMRs) where they provide clear safety, quality, or cost benefits.
• Develop robust business cases (benefits, CAPEX, payback, IRR) and track realized savings.

New Products & Change Management

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and transfers by defining manufacturable processes, layouts, and equipment for new designs.
• Participate in or lead PFMEA, Control Plan, and process capability work for new or changed processes.
• Own engineering changes (ECR/ECO) impacting manufacturing, ensuring risk is understood and changes are implemented with appropriate validation, documentation, and training.

Quality & Compliance

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

Skills & Competencies

Technical / Professional

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and methods relevant to the site (e.g., machining, welding, assembly, thermal processes, testing, automation, vision systems).
• Proficient in engineering tools such as CAD, GD&T, statistical analysis (SPC, capability), and basic programming/configuration for relevant controls or data systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial electrical and controls systems (PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, safety circuits, sensors) sufficient to specify requirements, review designs, and support troubleshooting with Maintenance, vendors, or controls specialists.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, validate, and sustain robust manufacturing processes and equipment.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with 5+ years of related engineering experience OR Technical degree/certificate with 10+ years' related experience.
• Typically 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or closely related roles, with evidence of increasing scope and impact.
• Demonstrated track record of reducing scrap, improving throughput, and/or deploying equipment/automation in a production environment.
• Experience leading cross‑functional projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience with troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues in manufacturing equipment.

Preferred

• Experience in regulated or high reliability manufacturing (e.g., aerospace, medical, nuclear, semiconductor, or similar).
• Formal training or certification in Lean/Six Sigma, structured problem solving, or project management.
• Experience with MES/SCADA/data collection, automated inspection (vision systems), robotics/cobots, or advanced automation.
• Prior mentoring or informal people leadership responsibilities.
• Equipment build and integration experience encompassing both 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. The 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
• Tuition reimbursement

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.