Control Systems Engineer

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

The Controls System Engineer develops and applies innovative solutions to integrate the manufacturing technology, systems, and processes needed for new product production.

This position reports to the Manager, Pilot, Prototyping & Test Services. This role is onsite and is based in Franklin, NH at our manufacturing facility.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and apply new automation system approaches as well as established technologies to achieve manufacturing goals for a new product.  This requires working with equipment suppliers and reps, testing new ideas, and determining the best solutions for manufacturing success.
• Apply PLCs and automated assembly, test, and packaging methods to optimize efficiency and control.
• Oversee the implementation of the systems and processes to ensure they run smoothly and meet manufacturing safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Utilize modeling software to design new tools, fixtures, and system equipment layouts and production cells.
• Establish comprehensive engineering processes and documentation for all new production introductions, including mechanical, electro-mechanical, tooling design, and technical input for quality production plans.
• Plan and execute testing to verify that the finished product achieves the product design goals using the methods and systems that have been developed.
• Lead collaboration efforts with product engineering teams to resolve technical challenges in manufacturability.
• Create work plans needed to develop the solutions and drive to follow through.  This requires prioritization and communication as the work progresses.  
• Work with product engineering, manufacturing, and plant accounting to establish routing times and finished product cost data.
• Maintain accurate documentation and prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations to support project updates.
• Provide manufacturing decision-making information to support capacity planning for labor, production schedules, and estimating future requirements.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Promote and maintain a team environment with open communication to ensure continuous and efficient productivity.
• All other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.  Master’s degree in Engineering a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in electro-mechanical, mechanical, and controls engineering, with the ability to apply cross-disciplinary skills in manufacturing environments.
• Experience in programming PLCs and HMIs
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in hardware/software integration for manufacturing systems.
• Hands-on experience with production assembly and fabrication technologies.
• Experience in Robotics, Digital Transformation, AR/VR, IIoT, RFID, and other advanced technologies a plus.
• Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations governing manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Human Factors and ergonomic design principles to enhance worker health, comfort, and productivity.
• Solid foundation in lean manufacturing methodologies, including 5S and continuous improvement practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, operations, suppliers, and management teams.
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects while maintaining a results-oriented approach.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills, with comfort interacting across all levels of the organization.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing work assignments and team needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma is a plus.

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 Franklin, NH 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.

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.

#LI (Onsite)

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.