Manufacturing System NPD Engineer

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

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.

This position reports to the Manager, Pilot, Prototyping and Test Services and is based in Franklin, NH.

Primary Job Duties and 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

• Digital manufacturing experience is a plus.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• 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.

Working Conditions:

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the Franklin, NH location (Monday – Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.

• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.

• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.

• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly 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.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

#LIOnsite

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.