Sr Manager, Manufacturing Operations Engineering

Sr Manager, Manufacturing Operations Engineering

12001 Lackland Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146, USA

The Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations Engineering leads and coordinates the global execution of the programs and projects aimed at advancing high-priority manufacturing automation, manufacturing process digitalization, and Enterprise Manufacturing Standards. This role owns the technical planning, execution integrity, capital justification, supplier and contractor coordination, validation, deployment, and operational readiness required to deliver scalable manufacturing capability across the Enterprise.

This role serves as a bridge between business strategy, manufacturing operations, product and process engineering, supply chain, finance, IT/OT, and site leadership. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams to develop and deploy strategic automation solutions, develop digital models and digital twins of critical manufacturing systems, improve manufacturing system inputs to SIOP demand/capacity planning, and establish manufacturing standards that guide process selection, equipment specifications, capital investments, and capability development over the next 3 to 5 years.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10-years manufacturing engineering leadership experience in a complex industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading automation, capital equipment, manufacturing process improvement, or advanced manufacturing projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing technical teams and cross‑functional project teams.
• Experience developing equipment specifications, process requirements, validation plans, and project acceptance criteria.
• Experience working with automation suppliers, system integrators, machine builders, contractors, and technical service providers.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process capability, equipment reliability, cycle time, throughput, labor productivity, quality systems, and operational readiness.
• Experience supporting capital planning, business case development, and value realization.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence site leaders, technical teams, suppliers, and senior executives.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• Experience with manufacturing digitalization, simulation, capacity modeling, digital twins, MES, SCADA, PLC/control systems, industrial data systems, or Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Experience supporting SIOP, capacity planning, industrial engineering, or manufacturing network planning.
• Experience developing manufacturing process standards or equipment standards.
• Experience leading global or multi‑site manufacturing engineering teams.
• Experience in engineered‑to‑order, high‑mix/low‑volume, industrial equipment, thermal systems, electrical equipment, or precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, project management, machine safety, process validation, and change management methods.
• Experience with both discrete manufacturing and complex assembly processes.

The health, well‑being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us. The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at