Manufacturing Engineer Co-Op, Jan-June 2027

Watts Water Technologies • Germantown, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Watts is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Co-op to join its Manufacturing Engineering team and partner with experienced engineers to support and enhance production operations. The co-op will contribute to improvement and sustainment of manufacturing processes and equipment for existing products, as well as continuous improvement initiatives. The role involves identifying, analyzing, and helping resolve quality, safety, and ergonomic challenges by researching possible solutions, evaluating alternatives, and assisting with implementation and sustainment. It provides hands-on exposure to manufacturing operations and the opportunity to help develop production-ready solutions.

The position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and is based onsite in Germantown, Wisconsin, with possible project support at the Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin facility. It is a full-time, in-person co-op from January through June or August 2027. The role is intended to provide practical learning in manufacturing engineering, process optimization, equipment improvement, standard work, root-cause analysis, technical-solution evaluation, process-improvement implementation, cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, documentation, and workplace communication.

The co-op works primarily in an office at the Germantown manufacturing facility, Monday through Friday, and may also work on the manufacturing floor. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required on the floor. The scheduled work hours will be communicated by the manager. Travel is 0%.

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience using office software for spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to think deeply and critically about processes.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of Lean fundamentals.
• Understand and adhere to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures.
• Successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing.
• 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 Watts personnel policies, procedures, and process standards.
• Ability to maintain productive and 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 typing or mouse-use tasks.
• Ability to move around the office and organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, perform data entry, and communicate clearly with management and coworkers, including 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.
• 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 in support of the production floor team.
• 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 opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
• Assist with implementing visual management tools and techniques to improve shop-floor communication and decision-making.
• Create and maintain process documentation, including standard operating procedures, process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide training and support to shop-floor team members to promote consistent understanding and execution of processes.
• Support 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.
• Participate in kaizen events and complete follow-up action items.
• Continue learning about manufacturing technologies and strategies.
• Take on other projects and duties assigned by the Manufacturing Engineering Manager or Company management.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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