Site Engineering Leader, Hillsboro Technology Development Center

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 an experienced Site Engineering Leader to lead its newly established Technology Development Center (TDC) in Hillsboro, Oregon. This role will be instrumental in supporting both local and global customers by advancing next-generation thermal technologies. As the site leader, you will oversee a cross-functional team focused on research and development, rapid prototyping, and the evolution of engineering and manufacturing processes for sub-fab and wafer processing applications. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends technical problem-solving, strategic planning, and people management to drive innovation and operational excellence.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead TDC Operations: Oversee the day-to-day activities and long-term strategic direction of the Hillsboro Technology Development Center, ensuring alignment with company objectives and customer needs.
• Manage Technical Teams: Supervise and develop a team of engineers and technicians working on R&D, rapid prototyping, and process development, promoting accountability and cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive Customer Collaboration: Partner closely with customer engineering teams in the Portland area and globally to understand application needs and deliver tailored thermal solutions.
• Oversee Project Execution: Manage scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of prototype and development projects.
• Advance Manufacturing Processes: Lead efforts to improve and standardize design and manufacturing workflows, enhancing efficiency and supporting scalable production.
• Support Product Innovation: Guide the team in modifying existing products and developing new technologies, with a focus on line heaters, PID controls, and electrical control panels.
• Facilitate Technology Transfer: Collaborate with global engineering, product management, and manufacturing teams to transition new solutions from development to full-scale production.
• Foster a High-Performance Culture: Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, technical excellence, and employee engagement within the TDC.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related field); Master's degree preferred
• 7+ years of engineering experience with a strong background in product development, rapid prototyping, or manufacturing process improvement
• 5+ years of leadership or team management experience, preferably in an R&D or advanced manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles, prototyping methodologies, and manufacturing scalability

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing, sub-fab systems, or high-tech equipment applications is a plus
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects from concept to implementation
• Experience working with thermal systems, PID controls, or electrical control panels is highly desirable
• Comfortable working with speed and agility in a fast-paced, shifting environment
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of partnering successfully with customers and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to solve technical challenges, manage project timelines, and prioritize competing demands

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 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
• 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.