Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Watlow Recruitment Team • St. Louis, MO

5d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned manufacturing processes/value streams, acting as the primary technical contact for production issues, non‑conformances, 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 (5‑Why, 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.
• 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 (PM) plans, critical spares strategies, and equipment reliability improvements.
• 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, error‑proofing) 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.
• 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.
• 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).

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

What This Job Offers

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