Product Design Engineer II

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.​

Scope of Position

This highly motivated individual, as part of the Product Engineering Team, will assume technical ownership of assigned products or product lines and independently execute design engineering activities including product line maintenance, product improvement, cost reduction, special product design, validation, and new product development. This level is intended for an engineer who can own and deliver defined product outcomes with limited supervision while leading moderate cross-functional projects.

Career level differentiator: Owns and Delivers

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume technical ownership of assigned product lines, including maintenance, improvement, special order design, and new product development support.
• Plan, lead, and execute cross-functional engineering projects to achieve product roadmap, quality, cost reduction, compliance, and annual operating plan objectives.
• Participate in or lead product development teams to design, validate, and release new products following the established phase-gate development process.
• Collaborate with Product Management, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, compliance, sales, and technical service to define product specifications and design requirements.
• Develop robust designs that balance performance, quality, manufacturability, cost, schedule, serviceability, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead or execute prototype construction, inspection, performance testing, and analysis; document results and drive corrective actions when requirements are not met.
• Lead or participate in design reviews, DFMEAs, design verification planning, and risk mitigation activities.
• Evaluate engineering change requests and execute engineering change orders in accordance with the established change management process.
• Proficiently document designs using 2D and 3D CAD software to clearly communicate engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements in accordance with ANSI/ASME Y14.x drafting standards.
• Create and maintain part records, bills of materials, engineering specifications, customer submittals, and product documentation in applicable business systems.
• Provide subject matter support for assigned products by resolving manufacturing, quality, supplier, customer, and field issues in a timely manner.
• Mentor Product Engineer I team members, designers, interns, or co-ops on product design practices, documentation quality, and engineering process discipline.
• Identify opportunities for product improvement, cost reduction, simplification, standardization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical design, product engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related product development experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage technical assignments and product-line responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Proficiency with CAD platforms and related vault or PDM systems such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or AutoCAD.
• Proficiency with applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance analysis, material selection, and design for manufacturing principles.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as sheet metal fabrication, casting, stamping, machining, injection molding, coating, and assembly.
• Ability to interpret applicable regulations, codes, industry standards, and product certification requirements and incorporate them into designs.
• Ability to apply engineering analysis techniques such as spreadsheet modeling, mechanism analysis, finite element analysis, flow analysis, or test-based validation as appropriate.
• Working knowledge of project management practices, project scheduling, cross-functional communication, and risk management.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills; ability to make sound decisions with limited supervision.
• Collaborative, creative, curious, customer-focused, and accountable approach to product ownership and project delivery.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

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 Menomonee Falls, WI 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.
• Close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

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.