W

Watermill Express

Automated water and ice vending network

Lead Engineer

Full-Time
$125k - $145k+ 25% bonus
Senior
Bachelor's
Brighton, CO, USA
In Person
Mechanical EngineeringDesign Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering; a Mechanical Engineering or related field is preferred.
  • At least 7 years of engineering experience, including at least 3 years of mechanical engineering experience.
  • Experience leading or mentoring junior engineers.
  • Experience with water treatment technologies and ice production or packaging systems.
  • Experience in technical product support or technical writing.
  • Knowledge of GD&T and weld documentation standards.
  • Hands-on experience with fabrication, modification, and 3D printing.
  • Experience administering SolidWorks PDM.
  • Experience managing bills of material (BOM).
  • Experience with Acumatica or similar ERP systems.
  • Exposure to programming or controls technologies.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lead, train, and focus a small engineering team.
  • Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including training others.
  • Experience managing products through the full lifecycle, from concept to production.
  • Experience with ERP systems and engineering integration.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, welding, and material selection.
  • Working knowledge of electrical systems and control system programming.
  • Strong engineering judgment and independent decision-making ability.
  • Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Strong problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills using appropriate tools.
  • High attention to detail and organizational ability.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds occasionally and to sit and stand for long periods.
  • Ability to use hands repetitively, work on a computer, and communicate by phone and email.
  • Ability to walk, stand, stoop, and bend.
  • Regular and predictable attendance for the required schedule and adherence to safety guidelines.
Responsibilities
  • Lead engineering design and evaluation activities.
  • Represent the engineering function in cross-departmental initiatives.
  • Oversee Quality and Compliance engineering activities.
  • Provide leadership and direction to a small team of engineers, and lead and mentor the Compliance/Quality Engineer.
  • Manage third-party electrical, mechanical, and programming consultants as needed.
  • Use SolidWorks to create and revise designs supporting fabrication, machining, welding, electrical integration, and in-house assembly.
  • Oversee and coordinate third-party development of the units' control system code.
  • Select appropriate materials and design for manufacturability.
  • Support and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Design fixtures and perform lifting and loading calculations to improve manufacturing processes.
  • Build and test prototypes to validate new designs or modifications.
  • Conduct and document field installation testing of prototypes, systems, or units.
  • Own new and existing products, systems, and designs.
  • Ensure product compliance with applicable state regulations.
  • Manage the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process.
  • Maintain and control bills of material (BOM) in Engineering and ERP systems for new and existing products.
  • Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions and standard work documentation.
  • Use ERP systems to integrate engineering and manufacturing processes.
  • Conduct supplier selection analysis with Procurement to ensure cost, quality, and performance standards are met.
  • Collaborate with Technical Services to resolve field performance issues.
  • Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis using structured problem-solving tools, including 8D, A3, and 5 Whys.
  • Participate in process improvements to enhance quality, reliability, and efficiency.
  • Perform other assigned duties.

About the company

Watermill Express runs a network of automated water and ice vending stations where customers drive up and refill their own bottles with water or pick up ice. The system is self-service and pays per refill, with revenue from water, ice, and related items like reusable bottles. Stations are serviced daily and monitored 24/7 by computers to ensure cleanliness and safety, including advanced filtration such as reverse osmosis. The company differentiates itself by emphasizing hygiene, high-purity water, and an environmentally friendly model that reduces plastic waste and saves customers money. Its goal is to provide affordable, safe drinking water while making convenient, eco-friendly hydration accessible to environmentally-conscious consumers.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Brighton, Colorado

Founded

1979

Get referred to Watermill Express

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • El Paso approved a new Fox Plaza station in January 2026, replacing an older unit.
  • Brentwood said Watermill roughly tripled EBITDA through new stations and ice prototypes.
  • Consumers seeking cheaper, reusable-bottle refills support continued demand in Sunbelt suburbs.

What critics are saying

  • Yucca Valley rejected a Watermill station in July 2026, signaling zoning resistance.
  • BBB complaints and Yelp reports cite double charges and billing disputes, damaging trust.
  • Local permit fights can stall expansion; a sustained approval slowdown caps unit growth.

What makes Watermill Express unique

  • Watermill Express runs unattended drive-up water and ice stations, reducing labor costs.
  • Brentwood’s 2025 $410 million continuation fund backs Watermill’s franchise and prototype expansion.
  • Its 24/7 computerized monitoring and state-certified testing create a defensible quality narrative.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

401(k) Company Match

Performance Bonus

Growth & Insights

Headcount

6 month growth

13%

1 year growth

13%

2 year growth

13%