Product Design Engineer II

About the Role

As a member of the Product Engineering Team, you will assume technical ownership of assigned products or product lines and independently execute design engineering activities including product line maintenance, product improvement, cost reduction, special product design, validation, and new product development. This role is intended for an engineer who can own and deliver defined product outcomes with limited supervision while leading moderate cross‑functional projects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assume technical ownership of assigned product lines, including maintenance, improvement, special order design, and new product development support.
• Plan, lead, and execute cross‑functional engineering projects to achieve product roadmap, quality, cost reduction, compliance, and annual operating plan objectives.
• Participate in or lead product development teams to design, validate, and release new products following the established phase‑gate development process.
• Collaborate with Product Management, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, compliance, sales, and technical service to define product specifications and design requirements.
• Develop robust designs that balance performance, quality, manufacturability, cost, schedule, serviceability, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead or execute prototype construction, inspection, performance testing, and analysis; document results and drive corrective actions when requirements are not met.
• Lead or participate in design reviews, DFMEAs, design verification planning, and risk mitigation activities.
• Evaluate engineering change requests and execute engineering change orders in accordance with the established change management process.
• Document designs using 2D and 3D CAD software to clearly communicate engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements in accordance with ANSI/ASME Y14.x drafting standards.
• Create and maintain part records, bills of materials, engineering specifications, customer submittals, and product documentation in applicable business systems.
• Provide subject‑matter support for assigned products by resolving manufacturing, quality, supplier, customer, and field issues in a timely manner.
• Mentor Product Engineer I team members, designers, interns, or co‑ops on product design practices, documentation quality, and engineering process discipline.
• Identify opportunities for product improvement, cost reduction, simplification, standardization, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical design, product engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related product development experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage technical assignments and product‑line responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Proficiency with CAD platforms and related vault or PDM systems such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, or AutoCAD.
• Proficiency with applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance analysis, material selection, and design‑for‑manufacturing principles.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as sheet metal fabrication, casting, stamping, machining, injection molding, coating, and assembly.
• Ability to interpret applicable regulations, codes, industry standards, and product certification requirements and incorporate them into designs.
• Ability to apply engineering analysis techniques such as spreadsheet modeling, mechanism analysis, finite element analysis, flow analysis, or test‑based validation as appropriate.
• Working knowledge of project management practices, project scheduling, cross‑functional communication, and risk management.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills; ability to make sound decisions with limited supervision.
• Collaborative, creative, curious, customer‑focused, and accountable approach to product ownership and project delivery.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre‑employment testing as a condition of employment.

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

You will work on‑site at a manufacturing facility and perform the majority of duties in an office environment. Periodically you may be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. The position is based in Menomonee Falls, WI (Monday – Friday); scheduled work hours will be communicated by your manager.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to 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.
• Close vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Benefits

• 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