Production Engineer

Production Engineering Role

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.

Scope of Position

This hands-on, data-driven individual contributor, as part of the Production Engineering team, is responsible for owning and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. This role partners closely with production to drive continuous improvement initiatives, apply lean principles, and deliver measurable operational results across assigned product lines.

This position reports to the Operations Manager. This role is onsite and is based in Fort Worth, TX.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Own and optimize product line performance by improving process flow, reducing cycle time, increasing throughput, and minimizing waste.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing tools such as 5S, standard work, line balancing, and visual management.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions for production issues impacting safety, quality, and delivery.
• Design and implement manufacturing cell layouts, material flow improvements, and workstation enhancements to improve efficiency and ergonomics.
• Design, develop, and improve tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment to support production efficiency and repeatability.
• Implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), including updates to process documentation, tooling, and operator training.
• Develop, maintain, and standardize process control documentation and visual work instructions.
• Ensure manufacturing processes are designed and maintained with a strong focus on operator safety and compliance with company standards.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., Production, Quality, Supply Chain) to drive cost reduction, improve supplier quality, and support new product or supplier development.
• Evaluate and improve manufacturing capabilities to meet design, quality, and material specifications.
• Support quality systems and compliance requirements (e.g., UL, ASME), including audits, inspections, and documentation as needed.
• Participate in material review and support disposition of non-conforming products, ensuring timely resolution and continuous improvement.
• Additional projects as assigned.
• Travel Requirements: up to 15%

Required Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferably Manufacturing/Industrial or Mechanical) from an ABET-accredited program. In the absence of a degree, relevant work experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 1 years Production/Manufacturing/Quality Engineering experience
• Demonstrated exposure to manufacturing environments, including assembly, fabrication, or production floor operations.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and tools.
• Ability to drive quality-focused processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to process improvement methods such as cycle time analysis, line balancing, or workflow optimization.
• Experience with Six Sigma methodology.
• ASME experience.

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 in a manufacturing facility. You will be required to work at the Company's Fort Worth TX. 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 stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to physically move around manufacturing floor.
• Ability to read documents and communicate clearly with management and coworkers.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

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.

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

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, 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.