Manufacturing System NPD Engineer

Watts Water Technologies•Franklin, NH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Manufacturing Systems NPD Engineer, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new technology solutions to manufacturing to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality for new product development initiatives. Manufacturing concept and process solutions for production applications cover advanced technologies including but not limited to composites fabrication, assembly, automation, inspection, direct part manufacturing, LO technologies, as well as digital capabilities. This role requires incorporation of requirements into development plans and evaluation of performance of processes and tools to verify their efficiency. In addition, you will identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure NPD contractual obligations (technical, schedule, and cost) are met and product quality is maintained. This role will require the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment. Budgeting and Project Management skills will be utilized to properly scope and execute assigned work and manage project efforts. As a Manufacturing Systems NPD Engineer, you will support the definition, development, implementation, and transition of new manufacturing technologies and processes to production in support of new product development initiatives. This role focuses on improving manufacturing efficiency, cost, and quality by applying established engineering principles and best practices across pilot and early production environments. Manufacturing solutions may include composites fabrication, assembly processes, automation, inspection, tooling, direct part manufacturing, LO technologies, and digital manufacturing capabilities. The role requires the ability to translate defined requirements into execution plans, evaluate process performance, and recommend improvements to ensure manufacturing readiness for new products. The Manufacturing Systems NPD Engineer works on moderately complex engineering assignments, often supporting multiple projects simultaneously, and collaborates closely with product engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams. This role operates with periodic guidance from more senior engineers or management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related technical field.
Technical engineering certification or equivalent theoretical knowledge consistent with an accredited BS Engineering curriculum.
3+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, manufacturing systems, or a related technical field.
Practical knowledge of electro‑mechanical, mechanical, and/or controls engineering, with the ability to apply established methods and tools.
Working knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
Experience supporting hardware/software integration within manufacturing systems.
Exposure to production assembly or fabrication environments, including digital manufacturing tools, systems integration, IIoT, RFID, AR/VR, or related manufacturing technologies.
Familiarity with applicable industry standards, manufacturing safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
Basic working knowledge of human factors and ergonomic principles as applied to manufacturing environments.
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
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.

Nice To Haves

Digital manufacturing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain engineering documentation to support pilot production introductions, including mechanical and electro‑mechanical designs, tooling concepts, and technical input to quality and production plans.
Support product and process quality by assisting in the design of test methods, evaluating product capabilities, and helping establish manufacturing standards under guidance.
Collaborate with product engineering and cross‑functional partners to address manufacturability considerations and resolve technical questions during development and pilot phases.
Utilize the Stage Gate development process to support work breakdown structures, task planning, and prioritization for assigned pilot production activities.
Analyze manufacturing costs—including materials, labor, overhead, and production processes—and provide data and recommendations to support budget tracking and decision‑making.
Assist in the development, evaluation, and review of work instructions, specifications, and manufacturing methods to support product transitions from development into production.
Prepare and maintain accurate technical documentation, reports, and presentations to communicate status, findings, and recommendations to project stakeholders.
Provide manufacturing data and analysis to support capacity planning discussions related to labor, equipment, and pilot production scheduling.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by applying lean manufacturing principles, 5S, and standard problem‑solving methodologies.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through training, workshops, technical publications, and participation in professional organizations.
Promote a collaborative team environment through effective communication, knowledge sharing, and support of team objectives.
Perform other related duties as assigned.