Manufacturing Engineering Technician

At Watlow’s Global Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, we combine a rich legacy with forward-thinking innovation. Founded in 1922 in the heart of St. Louis, Watlow has grown from a small heating element manufacturer into a global leader in thermal systems. Our headquarters is more than just an office, it's a hub for collaboration, advanced engineering, and customer focused solutions.

#PoweredByPossibility

We are hiring a: Manufacturing Engineering Technician
St. Louis, MO

Manufacturing Engineering Technicians provide hands-on technical support to value streams and production cells within Watlow’s St. Louis manufacturing operation. This role supports one of Watlow’s ceramic heater product lines and works closely with Production Leadership, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Product Solutions teams.

In this position, you will apply troubleshooting principles and process knowledge to maintain, repair, and improve equipment, fixtures, and tooling—helping ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

What You’ll Do

• Provide day-to-day technical support to production by troubleshooting ceramic manufacturing process issues and performing repairs to restore safe operation.
• Assist with equipment changeovers and replacement of critical wear components in large furnaces, hydraulic presses, and surface grinders.
• Design, model, and fabricate tooling and fixtures to support production activities.
• Implement improvements and updates to work instructions and standard work to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Support equipment development, validation, and maintenance by following diagrams, manuals, and applicable standards under engineering guidance.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and production team members to support operational goals.

What You Bring (Required Qualifications)

• Technical degree or comparable 2-year degree in a relevant field (e.g., mechatronics, maintenance, electronics, ceramics), or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical prints, and basic wiring diagrams.
• Familiarity with manufacturing materials, basic manufacturing processes, and common measurement tools.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems using a structured, data-driven approach.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to explain technical information to operators, engineers, and leaders.
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment and support occasional overtime or off-shift work.

What Sets You Apart (Preferred Qualifications)

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, maintenance, or tooling technician role supporting ceramic production equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical wiring, controls, and mechanical systems.
• Proficiency using manual machine tools (mill, lathe) to fabricate fixtures and tooling.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing tools such as 6S, standard work, and basic problem solving.
• Experience working in environments with strong safety and quality requirements.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to industrial equipment, tools, and materials.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and handling of parts, fixtures, and tools.
• Exposure to moderate noise, dust, and occasional chemicals; PPE is provided and required.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend work may be required.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Infrequent travel (less than 10% annually).