Sr. Chemistry Production Engineer

Watts Chemistry Production Engineer

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 highly motivated and technically strong individual, as part of the Chemistry Manufacturing team, will serve as the technical owner of reagent manufacturing operations. The role is responsible for ensuring chemical formulations are produced safely, consistently, and at scale while maintaining compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. The Senior Chemistry Production Engineer provides leadership in process troubleshooting, manufacturing optimization, and cross-functional collaboration between Chemistry, Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams to support reliable production and continuous improvement.

This position reports to the Quality and Sustaining Engineering Manager and is onsite in Fort Myers, Florida.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership and technical oversight of chemistry reagent manufacturing processes.
• Support daily production operations by monitoring process performance and addressing technical issues.
• Maintain presence on the manufacturing floor to support operators and ensure process stability.
• Lead root cause investigations for production deviations, nonconformances, and customer complaints.
• Analyze formulation chemistry, raw materials, environmental conditions, and process variables to identify failure modes.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase manufacturing efficiency, yield, repeatability, and product quality.
• Support engineering change implementation and process validation activities related to chemistry production.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to ensure compliance with specifications and quality systems.
• Assist with supplier qualification, raw material evaluations, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Translate technical findings into clear operational procedures and training guidance for production teams.
• Support GMP documentation, process validation records, and material traceability requirements.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to production personnel.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Company management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, production engineering, or quality engineering.
• Strong background in chemical formulation manufacturing and wet chemistry processes.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with experience in root cause analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Experience supporting drinking water or wastewater chemical analysis instrumentation.
• Experience developing and executing QC testing and validation methods.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement tools.
• Six Sigma training or certification.
• Experience working within GMP or regulated quality systems.
• Experience mentoring or training technical personnel.
• Bilingual Spanish language skills.

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 job duties, the employee will work on-site in a manufacturing facility. The role includes time both in office areas and on the production floor. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn when working in production areas.

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

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to lift and carry light equipment or materials as required.
• Ability to read documents and communicate clearly with team members.
• Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses and safety shoes.

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, 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.