Principal – Industrial Engineer

Overview

Waters Corporation is seeking a results-driven Principal, Industrial Engineer with a solid background in manufacturing, responsible for developing, implementing, and improving processes to ensure a safe environment, efficient production, high product quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role involves working across multiple departments, including production, quality, logistics, and supply chain—to ensure smooth, cost-effective operations while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. It requires a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and systems integration.

The Industrial Engineer is responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing systems and processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. They will also coordinate special projects related to plant layouts, cost savings and product improvements as required, applying quality and continuous Improvement tools. 

Responsibilities

• Champion a physically and mentally safe environment for all employees and coworkers throughout ergonomics elements built-in the re-design of the manufacturing processes applying right-left hand definition and material distribution for optimal performance and employee’s safety.
• Lead full-scale manufacturing processes utilizing CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) for designing and improving manufacturing tools, fixtures, redesign layouts and equipment.
• Ensure and owns product SAP master data accuracy and consistent maintenance supporting ERP effectiveness including routing set-ups, change over, etc...
• Actively participate in the operations rhythm of the scheduling process providing the right input for capacities and resources allocations applying theory of constraints. Ensures appropriate production methods, cycle-time, equipment performance, and materials/components in support of production targets.
• Define and propose productivity projects and actively manage to success completion, supporting business goals.
• Support the capital plan for the manufacturing processes based on Quality, Cost and feasibility evaluation, contributing with the correct investment of the Capital for Operations, increasing labor efficiency, utilizing better space and improving quality performance. Ensures the production process complies with the project targets.
• Defining the lines capacities and flow of production to evaluate the constraints against the forecast. Master the rough-cut capacity to identify future investments. Review and redesign arrangement of manufacturing equipment to ensure a most efficient and productive layout.
• Lead teams in performing and updating Process FMEA risk management & process maps. Provide engineering support for manufacturing operations, troubleshooting production issues, and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead RCPS/3S/PDCA problem resolution process in the floor to improve quality or inefficiencies to production. Lead kaizen events as expected in collaboration with CI partners including KANBAN design and implementation.
• Generate technical documents/reports (engineering studies, validation, URS, FAT, production SOPs), compliance documents (ECO, DHR, batch records) and business documents (BOM, routings, WI, standard costs, and Manufacturing Plans for new products).
• Train manufacturing personnel in new manufacturing processes and changes implemented to current manufacturing operations.
• Conduct statistical analysis, CPK and capabilities evaluations to assess process performance, production trends, and implement solutions to improve yield and throughput.
• Support investigations related to product nonconformances, Stop Ships and CAPAs supporting our Quality Management System.
• Proposed new line configurations to enhance labor & line efficiency, including but not limited to line configuration changes, lean projects or automation initiatives.
• Supporting the lean operating system transformation process to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Hands-on in the implementation of a future state being part of a high performing team actively participating in daily management, improving visual management and defining actions to improve key performance indicators of the area.
• Performs other job-related duties assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in operations is required, preferably in an electronic, medical device or biotechnology industry.
• Lean: Formal certification / qualification in Lean (green belt / black belt or equivalent).
• Highly skilled in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering principles, with a proven ability to analyze, design, and optimize production systems for efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Proficient in applying lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and automation methodologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives. Experienced in workflow design, time studies, facility layout planning, and integration of advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills with a collaborative approach to cross-functional team leadership in dynamic production environments. Demonstrated statistical analysis and Minitab expertise.
• Experience in using digital systems tools and applications to enhance data collection, analysis, insight visualization to enhance production management and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies is highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft applications required. Familiar with Bill of Materials (BoM) and Production Routings.
• Familiarity with cGMP, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 is highly desired.

Company Description

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide. 

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.