Program Manager

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for nearly a century. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

About the Role

Watlow is seeking a dynamic Program Manager to lead and drive cross-functional projects in support of New Product Development (NPD) and strategic initiatives. In this role, you will coordinate complex programs, mentor teams, and apply lean product development principles to ensure successful, customer-focused outcomes. You'll have a key voice in planning, process improvement, and delivering results that support long-term business goals.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Drive multiple large-scale, cross-functional NPD programs using best-in-class development methodologies.
• Strategic Planning: Set priorities, manage scope, budgets, and timelines, and lead trade-off decisions aligned with business strategy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to ensure alignment and successful program execution.
• Continuous Improvement: Use the Watlow Way and Lean Product Development to evaluate performance trends and lead process improvements.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Teach and mentor others in structured problem-solving tools (e.g., A3, LAMDA), knowledge reuse, and team collaboration practices.
• Quality & Reliability: Guide teams through quality processes including design reviews, corrective actions, and non-conformance management.
• Business Impact: Lead feasibility studies and initiatives focused on delivering value stream profitability and long-term customer success.
• Communication & Influence: Translate strategy and technical goals into clear direction for project teams, influencing at all levels of the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred
• 5+ years of experience in program or project management, preferably within a technical or engineering-focused organization
• Proven project management experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills using structured tools (e.g., A3, LAMDA)
• Working knowledge of budgeting, resource planning, and managing program trade-offs

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to influence and communicate effectively across multiple levels of the organization
• Experience applying Lean Product Development or similar continuous improvement methodologies
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience, including coaching and mentoring
• Background in engineering or technical disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, systems engineering)
• Experience with customer proposal development, feasibility studies, and cost estimating
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, reliability studies, and quality assurance practices

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

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 Achievement Award
• 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
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

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 accommodations@Watlow.com.