Journeyworker Machinist - 1st Shift

Machinist

Watts is reimagining the future of water. We provide safe, clean water for the world, and protect our planet's most valuable resource. 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.

This position requires demonstrated mastery of the machining trade through completion of a State‑Indentured Apprenticeship Program or equivalent recognized credential. The Journeyman Machinist is expected to operate with full independence, provide technical leadership, train and evaluate apprentices, and serve as a subject matter expert for all complex machining processes within the department.

This role is onsite and is based in Menomonee Falls, WI.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Create, modify, and optimize complex CNC programs to ensure maximum efficiency, precision, and alignment with engineering specifications.
• Perform expert-level setups on a wide range of CNC and manual machines, including multi-axis systems, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum throughput.
• Interprets and applies advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts to ensure precision machining.
• Performs complex diagnostics, including spindle analysis, toolpath optimization, and vibration/root‑cause investigations.
• Leads qualification machining runs and first‑article processes for new product introductions.
• Recommends process updates and revisions to engineering and quality based on journey-level expertise.
• Serves as the primary decision‑maker for machining operations during supervisor absence.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing cycle times, improving quality, and enhancing safety and ergonomics.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate junior machinists and apprentices, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer across the team.
• Provides formal on‑the‑job training for apprentices in accordance with State‑Indentured apprenticeship standards.
• Evaluates apprentice performance and documents progress toward competency milestones.
• Develops training materials, standard work, and skill building‑ exercises for new machinists.
• Ensure all parts meet or exceed quality standards through advanced inspection techniques and use of precision measuring tools.
• Work closely with engineering, quality, and production planning teams to resolve design issues, improve manufacturability, and support new product introductions.
• Maintain accurate records of setups, tooling, and process changes. Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Recommend and implement tooling improvements. Monitor machine performance and coordinate preventive maintenance schedules.
• Oversee workflow within the machining cell, prioritize tasks, and ensure production targets are consistently met or exceeded.
• Completes industrial lift truck certifications as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with all team members across departments.
• Helps support other department functions as needed.
• Help create and maintain a positive work environment.
• Understand and abide by all company safety policies.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Manufacturing Supervisor or Company management.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a State Apprenticeship Program and attainment of Journeyman Machinist status.
• 5+ years of machining experience working with lathes and mills.
• Demonstrated mastery of machining trades consistent with journey-level standards.
• 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.

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 location in Menomonee Falls WI. 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 lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull up to 50 pounds.
• 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

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.

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.