Manufacturing Process Technician

Manufacturing Process Technician

Manufacturing Process Technicians provide hands-on technical support to value streams and production cells within Watlow's St. Louis manufacturing operation. This role supports one of Watlow's ceramic heater product lines and works closely with Production Leadership, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Product Solutions teams. In this position, you will apply troubleshooting principles and process knowledge to maintain, repair, and improve equipment, fixtures, and tooling—helping ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

What You'll Do

1. Provide day-to-day technical support to production by troubleshooting ceramic manufacturing process issues and performing repairs to restore safe operation.
2. Assist with equipment changeovers and replacement of critical wear components in large furnaces, hydraulic presses, and surface grinders.
3. Design, model, and fabricate tooling and fixtures to support production activities.
4. Implement improvements and updates to work instructions and standard work to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
5. Support equipment development, validation, and maintenance by following diagrams, manuals, and applicable standards under engineering guidance.
6. Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and production team members to support operational goals.

What You Bring (Required Qualifications)

• Technical degree or comparable 2-year degree in a relevant field (e.g., mechatronics, maintenance, electronics, ceramics), or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical prints, and basic wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with manufacturing materials, basic manufacturing processes, and common measurement tools.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems using a structured, data-driven approach.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to explain technical information to operators, engineers, and leaders.
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment and support occasional overtime or off-shift work.

What Sets You Apart (Preferred Qualifications)

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, maintenance, or tooling technician role supporting ceramic production equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical wiring, controls, and mechanical systems.
• Proficiency using manual machine tools (mill, lathe) to fabricate fixtures and tooling.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing tools such as 6S, standard work, and basic problem solving.
• Experience working in environments with strong safety and quality requirements.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to industrial equipment, tools, and materials.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and handling of parts, fixtures, and tools.
• Exposure to moderate noise, dust, and occasional chemicals; PPE is provided and required.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend work may be required.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Infrequent travel (less than 10% annually).

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing 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

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member's individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at View email address on click.appcast.io.