Manufacturing Engineer Intern

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.​

The Watts Internship Program is your chance to bring what you’ve learned in the classroom to life! You’ll dive into real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience while learning how business really works from the inside. During the program, you’ll get to roll up your sleeves and make an impact on day-to-day operations. Plus, you'll have tons of opportunities to network with passionate professionals across manufacturing, industrial engineering, and more—sparking new ideas through cross-department collaboration. It’s all about expanding your skills, challenging yourself, and exploring where your ambitions can take you!

Scope of Position

This innovative and detail-oriented individual, as part of the Operations team, will support the identification and implementation of shop floor process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing production output. The Manufacturing Engineering Intern will work with cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and gain hands-on experience with manufacturing processes.

This position reports to the Senior Manager of Advanced Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement. This role is onsite and is based in St. Pauls, NC.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Help create and maintain shop floor work instructions, including specifications, engineering changes, process controls, and tooling requirements.
• Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives that support continuous process improvement.
• Collaborate with hourly employees and teams across Quality, Safety, Sourcing, and other functions on manufacturing projects.
• Support the scoping, planning, and execution of manufacturing engineering requests under the guidance of the Manufacturing Engineering team, including improving manufacturing efficiency, implementing engineering changes, improving product quality, and addressing production line technical issues.
• Analyze and document existing manufacturing processes to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support Watts’ commitment to continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, communicating findings transparently, and taking accountability for assigned project deliverables.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the Manufacturing Engineer Manager or Company management.

Required Qualifications

• Current student (sophomore, junior or senior status).
• Pursuing a degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Ability to present complex data effectively through charts, tables, graphs, and pivot tables.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned tasks with appropriate guidance.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with colleagues across departments and levels of the organization.
• Passionate about your work, with a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully and make an impact.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity and respect in interactions with others, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership of tasks and following through on commitments.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks, including required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Familiarity with quality standards and process improvement methodologies, such as Six Sigma.
  

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 St. Pauls, NC 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 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 stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to push and pull up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to physically move around the 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.

Pay Range: $21-27

The expected hourly range for this position is $21–27 hourly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

What’s In It for You

People-First Culture – Enriching and caring for people is at the core of who we are; this includes executing our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, and providing you with meaningful career growth opportunities, a positive and safe work environment, and affirmation that you are heard, valued, and respected.

Flexible PTO Policy – Work-life balance is important at Watts and our interns receive one (1) hour of flexible PTO for every thirty (30) hours worked. Your flexible PTO can be utilized for any type of absence.

Paid Holidays – Celebrate the holidays with your loved ones and still get paid! You will receive the following paid holidays off during your time as an Intern with Watts. Where a holiday falls during the weekend, it will be observed on an adjacent weekday.

Lunch and Learns – Throughout your internship, there will be opportunities for you to sign up to learn and network with some of the key strategic leaders and thought partners within our core operating model!

Sustainability – For five years in a row, Watts has been named one of "America's Most Responsible Companies" by Newsweek. Join our journey as we continue to distinguish Watts as a responsible and committed corporate citizen.

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 followingbenefits 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.