Director, Manufacturing Operations Engineering

Why work at Watlow?

Would you like to work in the fascinating world of industrial technology? Watlow is a global leader in technology and manufacturing. For over 100 years, we have been dedicated to providing world-class engineering through innovative thermal products and systems that drive our customers' success and improve people's lives around the world.

Our corporate values guide us at all times: Always do the right thing, Learn and improve continuously, Respect everyone, and Lead with service and humility.

At Watlow Mexico, we offer a positive work environment, cutting-edge technology, and excellent professional development opportunities at our three plants located in El Marqués, Querétaro.

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.

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We are hiring a: Director, Manufacturing Operations Engineering- Mexico

Querétaro, Mexico (Onsite)

Watlow is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Operations Engineering who will drive the advancement of manufacturing performance through the effective integration of product engineering and design, process engineering, and quality engineering functions across multiple sites in Mexico. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, Mexico, this technical leader ensures products are designed, manufactured, improved, and supported wit h a relentless focus on operational efficiency, quality excellence, scalability, and customer satisfaction.

This role drives engineering initiatives that improve manufacturability, streamline production processes, strengthen quality systems, and support new product introduction from concept through scalable production. The ideal candidate partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Leadership teams to deliver continuous improvement, operational standardization, and long term manufacturing capability, all while building and developing a high performing technical organization aligned with the growth objectives of the business.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead Across Engineering Disciplines: Own and align Product Engineering/ Design, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality Engineering functions to drive operational performance, product reliability, and business growth across multiple sites.
• Shape Engineering Strategy : Develop and execute engineering and manufacturing strategies that improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost with real measurable impact across the organization.
• Drive Operational Excellence : Champion automation, continuous improvement, and DF X methodologies to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate how the business operates day to day.
• Bring New Products to Life : Oversee new product introduction and industrialization from design through scalable production, ensuring a smooth and successful launch every time.
• Own Quality at Every Level : Maintain and continuously improve a robust quality management system focused on design capability, process capability, defect reduction, customer satisfaction, and compliance.
• Be a True Cross-Functional Partner : Collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Leadership teams on capacity planning, capital investment, and strategic business initiatives.
• Build and Develop High Performing Teams : Attract, mentor, and grow technical talent while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across multiple facilities.
• Lead With Data: Leverage KPIs and operational metrics to drive smarter decisions, acceler ate speed to market, and continuously raise the bar on engineering, technology, and manuf acturing performance.

What you´ll need to succeed?

• Bachel or's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 15+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience in industrial manufacturing or engineered products environments
• Proven track record leading product design and engineering teams within a manufacturing or operations focused organization
• Deep understanding of product development methodologies, product design , manufacturing processes, lean principles, product industrialization, and operational excellence methodologies
• Demonstrated experience transforming engineering teams, taking organizations from informal or undocumented environments to highly structured, standardized, an d disciplined operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or MBA preferred
• Proven experience leading engineering functions across multiple manufacturing sites
• Strong technical and analytical mindset with a natural ability to solve complex problems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated success developing mid-level talent from both a technical and leadership perspective
• Experience navigating turnaround situations with the ability to prioritize immediate needs while keeping mid and long term objectives in focus
• Familiarity with CAD systems, PLM tools, ERP integration, and stage-gate product development processes
• Lean Product Development and/or Six Sigma certification preferred
• Hands on leadership style with a natural ability to lead by example and serve as a mentor and coach to the team