Technical Trainer & Instructional Designer
About the Role
This technically skilled and hands-on individual, as part of the Technical Training team, will design, develop, and deliver product and applications-based training programs. These programs enable Watts’ customers and channel partners to install, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of plumbing products and system solutions with confidence. The role blends 60% instruction delivery with 40% instructional design. This position has no direct reports but is expected to mentor and coach other Technical Instructors and Instructional Designers. This role is hybrid and based in North Andover, MA, reporting to the Director of Training.
Responsibilities
- Conduct hands-on and virtual instructor-led training on a variety of Watts product lines and plumbing system solutions for contractors, distributors, engineers, and other audiences.
- Design and develop new training curricula and revise existing content for instructor-led sessions, Lunch & Learns, and e-Learning, partnering with product engineering, technical support, sales, and marketing to source accurate product information, specifications, and graphics.
- Partner with internal stakeholders and external customers to identify training gaps, obtain feedback, and deliver solutions that improve product knowledge, installation quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Mentor and coach other Technical Instructors and Instructional Designers to maintain consistently high training quality across the organization.
- Ensure all training equipment, lab facilities, and demonstration units are fully operational, properly maintained, and consistent with Watts quality standards and customer expectations.
- Contribute to the development of training program policies, procedures, standards, and templates. Lead and direct instructional design projects as assigned.
- Travel up to 30% domestically to Learning Center locations and Watts facilities to develop or conduct training.
- Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the Director of Training or Company management.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field, education, or equivalent experience (e.g., Military School Instructor certification). In the absence of a degree, 10+ years of directly relevant work experience will be considered.
- Minimum 6 years of experience as a technical instructor, course developer, or instructional designer in a construction, mechanical engineering, plumbing, or industrial product environment.
- Demonstrated deep understanding of water-based plumbing systems (Potable Water; Hydronic Cooling; Fire Protection; Municipal; etc.), HVAC, and related flow control products.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly PowerPoint for training delivery and content development. Proficiency with current PC applications and comfort working in a hybrid office environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in ADDIE or similar instructional design methodology.
- Prior experience training on plumbing or HVAC products.
- Hands-on trade experience (journeyman plumber, pipefitter, or similar) is a strong differentiator.
- Experience in customer-facing roles and a strong customer-focused mindset.
- Familiarity with Watts product lines or competitor equivalents.
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’ 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 work in an office and training lab environment. You will be required to work in the office at the North Andover, MA location three days per week (Monday – Wednesday) and can work remotely two days per week (Thursday and Friday). When not traveling, non-office days may be used for instructional design and content development. Up to 30% travel to field locations and customer sites is required. You may occasionally be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. 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 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 lift and carry training equipment and demonstration units up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to set up and break down training lab equipment at field locations.
Pay
The expected salary range for this position is $116,000.00 - $130,000.00 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.
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 employee discount programs.