Manufacturing Engineer Co-Op, Jan-June 2027

Watts Water Technologies • Germantown, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Manufacturing Engineering Co-op, you will be an integral member of the Manufacturing Engineering team, partnering with experienced engineers to support and improve production operations. This hands-on role focuses on improving and sustaining manufacturing processes and equipment for existing products, while supporting continuous improvement initiatives. You will help identify, analyze, and address quality, safety, and ergonomic challenges by researching possible solutions, evaluating alternatives, and assisting with implementation and sustainment.

The co-op is based onsite at Watts’ Germantown, Wisconsin facility, with opportunities to support projects at the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin facility. The position is in person, Monday through Friday, from January through June/August 2027. The role reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager. Most duties take place in an office environment, with occasional work on the manufacturing floor requiring appropriate personal protective equipment. Travel requirements are 0%.

The co-op provides practical experience in manufacturing engineering, process optimization, equipment improvement, standard work, root-cause analysis, solution evaluation, process-improvement implementation, cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, technical documentation, and communication in an industrial setting.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience using office software for spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.
• Ability to think critically and deeply about processes.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of Lean fundamentals.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
• Must establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to personnel policies, procedures, and process standards.
• Ability to maintain productive, collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts’ cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.
• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods and perform repetitive keyboard or mouse tasks.
• Ability to move around the office and organize or transport files, packages, or other office materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, perform data entry, communicate clearly, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant manufacturing engineering internship or co-op experience.
• Experience with AutoCAD and Solidworks software.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot production issues and provide technical expertise on manufacturing processes.
• Assist in developing and executing capital projects, including installing new equipment, modifying existing equipment, and changing production layouts.
• Assist with continuous improvement projects to improve safety and product quality, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and lower costs.
• Support problem-solving using tools such as root cause analysis, fishbone diagrams, and statistical process control.
• Monitor and analyze production data to identify process-improvement and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Assist in implementing visual management tools and techniques on the shop floor.
• Support the creation and maintenance of process documentation, including standard operating procedures, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Provide training and support to shop-floor team members to promote consistent understanding and execution of processes.
• Support the establishment of labor standards, product costing, and manufacturing-process design.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and other departments to align manufacturing processes with business objectives and customer needs.
• Assist with plant-layout optimization to improve material flow, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Document new manufacturing processes, including through work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process flow diagrams.
• Participate in kaizen events and complete follow-up action items.
• Learn new manufacturing technologies and strategies to stay current in the industry.
• Perform other projects and duties as assigned by the Manufacturing Engineering Manager or Company management.
• Demonstrate Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and transparency.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on skills, qualifications, and experience (benefits listed apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles).
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage (permanent roles only; not applicable to internship roles).
• Retirement benefits (permanent roles only; not applicable to internship roles).
• Family-building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave (permanent roles only; not applicable to internship roles).
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off (permanent roles only; not applicable to internship roles).
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement (permanent roles only; not applicable to internship roles).
• Fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs (permanent roles only; not applicable to internship roles).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern