Development Engineer

Job description

We’re Watts.

Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.



We feel proud every day about what we do.

We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.


What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world.

We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future.

Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​



Scope of Position:

This hands-on role will primarily be responsible for developing commercial water heaters and hydronic boilers from specifications through production.

The ideal candidate should be equally comfortable in the office, laboratory, and factory.



This position reports to the Sr. Manager Development Engineering.

This role is onsite and is based in Fort Worth, Texas.


Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

+ Design, develop, certify and introduce gas, heat pump, electric and indirect water heaters and boilers.

+ Develop and apply controls (hardware/firmware/algorithm)

+ Identify and assess safety and technical risks

+ Participate in controls (hardware/firmware/algorithm) development and application

+ Test and confirm products comply with appropriate safety, performance standards

+ Design, fabricate and test prototype water heaters and boilers

+ Direct test technicians or line personnel to fabricate and test prototypes, components

+ Create work instructions, test plans, assembly drawings to instruct test or assembly personnel

+ Interface with third party test labs during product certification and follow-up efforts

+ Present test results and project updates to management

+ Provide training on new products to manufacturing, customer service, and sales

+ Trouble shoot field problems, provide critical communication to service personnel, installing contractors, inspectors, and engineers as needed

+ Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Sr Manager Development Engineering or Company management.

+ Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value of Continuous Improvement, and Transparency

+ Travel Requirements: 20% or less


Required Qualifications

+ BSME/BSEE, BS Engineering Technology

+ 2+ Years experience creating CAD drawings, experience in 3D CAD

+ Must possess a valid driver’s license

+ Candidate must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

+ Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.

+ Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.


Preferred Qualifications

+ 1+ years' experience electronic controls and electromechanical devices

+ 1+ years' experience and knowledge of pressure vessel design

+ 2+ years' experience in design of sheet metal components

+ Documented experience leading team or work projects


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.


Working Conditions:

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment.

You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

You will be required to work in the office at the Fort Worth, Texas location (Monday – Friday).

Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.


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.

+ Ability to stand for long periods of time.

+ Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

+ Ability to push and pull up to 25 pounds.

+ Ability to physically move around manufacturing floor.

+ Ability to read documents and communicate clearly with management and coworkers.

+ Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.



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.


#LI Onsite



Watts in it for you :


Please note that the following benefits 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: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/


How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive.

Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other.

Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.


And this is a place where you can have a big career.

No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.



Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity.

We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Required Skill Profession

Other General