The Engineering NPD Manager, Water Safety is a highly technical leader responsible for driving new product innovation with a deep focus on mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and pressure-balancing valve design. This role requires mastery of advanced engineering analysis tools, strong system engineering capabilities, and the ability to lead complex programs from concept through launch. This position partners closely with Product Management and leads a cross-functional engineering team including Design Engineers, CAD Resources, and Pilot Manufacturing to deliver NPD programs on time, on budget, and at exceptional technical quality.
The ideal candidate is a flexible, hands‑on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment with shifting customer and business priorities. This position reports to the Director of Engineering and is based in our North Andover, MA office.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Lead full‑lifecycle project execution including planning, risk assessment, team formation, milestones, reporting, and escalation, while managing NPD schedules, budgets, and deliverables from concept through pilot builds and driving effective program meetings, accountability, and action‑item closure.
- Communicate effectively across all business levels; technical and non-technical, tailoring complexity to audience needs.
- Influence and motivate teams through empathy, credibility, and collaborative leadership.
- Support Product Management through Stage‑Gate, recommending technical value propositions and balancing customer requirements with engineering constraints to define optimal solutions.
- Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Sourcing, Operations, Finance, and Manufacturing to achieve program objectives.
- Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software elements into cohesive product‑level designs and benchmark new concepts against legacy designs.
- Approve engineering deliverables; specs, drawings, material requirements, DFMEAs/PFMEAs, and verification reports, while organizing and documenting all analytical and experimental results.
- Proficient in CFD for flow modeling, pressure‑drop analysis, cavitation prediction, and valve optimization, with the ability to interpret, challenge, and generate simulations that correlate with test data.
- Expert in force‑balance calculations and sealing technologies, including O‑rings, bellows, diaphragms, and compatibility and failure modes across temperature, chemical, and pressure ranges.
- Coach junior engineers in advanced mechanical and fluid‑dynamic principles and translate tribal knowledge into clear, teachable engineering practices.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- All other duties as required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required, Master’s degree preferred.
- 10+ years of product development experience, preferably in fluid-handling or valve applications.
- Proven engineering project/program management experience, with the ability to independently manage cross‑functional projects and processes beyond immediate responsibilities.
- Proficient knowledge in the use of 3D CAD solid modeling software, Auto Desk Inventor preferred.
- Experience with cost estimations, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA) approaches, and program accounting.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills for interaction with various engineering teams, suppliers, customers, regulatory personnel, and management.
- Experience collaborating with overseas development teams and manufacturing partners, as well as familiarity with copper alloy and iron casting/forging, plastics, and plastic molding for water systems, is a plus.
- Practical experience and knowledge of compliance, test standards, and third-party certification requirements.
- Strong decision making, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage projects or processes that span outside of immediate responsibilities and work independently with little supervision in an effective manner.
- Comprehensive verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of interacting with various levels of management.
- Demonstrates flexibility in work assignments to effectively meet the team's needs.
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft 365 Applications.
- Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
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.
The expected salary range for this position is $168,000 - $179,000/yr. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.
Working Conditions:
While performing the job duties, you will be working in an office environment and may, at times, be required to be present on the engineering development floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the No. Andover location three days per week (Monday – Wednesday) and can work remotely two days per week (Thursday and Friday). Up to 15% travel, including customer visits, training events, and company meetings.
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 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 occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
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.
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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:
