NPD Test 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 NPD Test Engineer is responsible for testing and validation activities for new product development programs, including developing test methods, conducting laboratory testing, and analyzing results to ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and regulatory requirements. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the engineer supports product development from concept through production release by interpreting standards, creating test procedures, providing data-driven technical recommendations, and contributing to product, test fixture, and laboratory equipment design through design reviews, prototype evaluation, and the use of CAD (SOLIDWORKS). The engineer applies sound engineering judgment and objective analysis to help ensure robust, high-quality product designs.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This position reports to the Development Engineering Manager. This role is onsite and is based in Blauvelt, NY.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform product testing and validation activities to ensure new products meet performance, safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements throughout the development process.

• Review and interpret UL, ANSI, internal, customer, and other applicable standards to develop validation plans, test strategies, and compliance requirements.
• Determine appropriate instrumentation, equipment, and measurement techniques required to evaluate product performance, safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Design, assemble, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory test setups, fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition (LabVIEW) systems to support product development activities.
• Perform product validation, characterization, reliability, and engineering investigation testing while maintaining accurate records and data traceability.
• Collect, analyze, document, and communicate test results, observations, and recommendations through technical reports and presentations to project stakeholders.
• Develop or modify basic LabVIEW programs and support data acquisition systems as needed.
• Support the calibration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of laboratory equipment, testing capabilities, and engineering processes.

• Develop and maintain test methods, procedures, and documentation to ensure consistent, accurate, and repeatable testing practices.

• Develop, execute, and continuously improve test procedures, work instructions, data collection forms, and validation methods when standard approaches do not exist.
• Maintain the laboratory test procedure database, ensuring procedures remain current, accurate, standardized, and aligned with applicable standards and product requirements.
• Periodically review existing test procedures and identify opportunities for updates, improvements, standardization, and increased testing efficiency.

• Support product design and development activities by contributing engineering analysis, test feedback, and design recommendations throughout the product lifecycle.

• Participate in cross-functional project teams with Product Management, Project Management, Design Engineering, Controls Engineering, Sustaining Engineering, and Manufacturing to support product development objectives.
• Utilize engineering analysis, test data, and SOLIDWORKS to support design reviews, prototype development, design improvements, and product release activities.
• Provide technical recommendations based on testing and product performance data to support design decisions and production readiness.
• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency).
• Travel Requirements: 5% - 10%

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years’ experience in product development, validation testing, laboratory testing or a similar engineering environment.
• 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, including drug screening, and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.
• Ability to interpret industry standards, technical specifications, engineering drawings, and test requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Experience supporting products from concept development through product release is preferred.
• 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, including drug screening, and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW is preferred.

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 Blauvelt, NY 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.

Pay Range:

The expected salary range for this position is $86K- $96K yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

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.