Manufacturing Process Technician I

At Watlow’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri
, we combine precision manufacturing with forward-thinking innovation. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our Columbia facility is a critical hub for high-performance manufacturing, engineering, and operational excellence.

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Columbia, MO (Manufacturing Facility)

Manufacturing Process Technicians provide hands-on technical support to value streams and production cells within Watlow’s Columbia manufacturing operation. This role supports one of Watlow’s in-chamber 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.

• Provide day-to-day technical support to production by troubleshooting manufacturing process issues and performing repairs to restore safe operation.
• Assist with equipment changeovers and replacement of critical wear components in automated and semi-automated equipment and hand tooling.
• 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.

• Technical degree or comparable two-year degree in a relevant field, such as mechatronics, maintenance, electronics, or 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.

• Two or more 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, including mills and lathes, to fabricate fixtures and tooling.
• Experience using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools.
• Experience with Solid Works 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.

• 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 50 pounds.
• Infrequent travel of less than 10% annually.