Jobs › Pentair

Manufacturing Engineer

Pentair · Delavan, WI · $61,200–$113,600 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 31, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a manufacturing method you changed that reduced cost or improved quality. How did you measure the result?

What they are checking: Whether they deliver measurable improvements, which is the first duty listed for this role.

Tell me about a kaizen event you led or supported. What happened after the week ended?

What they are checking: Whether their improvements stick, since many kaizen gains fade once the event team leaves.

Tell me about a time you worked with a vendor to repair or improve equipment.

What they are checking: Whether they can manage outside vendors for timing, cost and quality on equipment repairs.

What would you do

A piece of tooling keeps breaking and the repair costs are climbing. How do you decide whether to keep fixing it or replace it?

What they are checking: Whether they track repair costs and make replacement decisions based on data, as the posting describes.

Operators on the floor don't like a new process you introduced. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they listen to the operators, who often know something the engineer missed.

You have five improvement projects and time for two this quarter. How do you choose?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by impact on safety, cost and the business unit's goals instead of what is easiest.

About the work

How would you design a Lean work cell for a pump assembly line?

What they are checking: Whether they understand flow, takt time, operator movement and standard work, not just Lean vocabulary.

How would you build the justification for a capital expenditure on new equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can make a sound financial case with real costs, savings and payback, not just a wish list.

How do you introduce a new process or piece of equipment without disrupting production?

What they are checking: Whether they plan trials, training and validation so the floor keeps shipping during the change.

How do you approach root cause analysis on a recurring quality defect?

What they are checking: Whether they use structured tools to find the true cause rather than adding inspection to catch it.

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The full job description

As published by Pentair.

Job Description: At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions. We have an opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our Delavan, WI team. You will plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing processes, as well as utilize project management skills to implement new operational processes, equipment, and tooling. This role will also coordinate tool and vendor related equipment repair when required. This Manufacturing Engineering will potentially lead and support kaizen events, Lean work cell design, standard product design revisions, cost improvement projects, capital expenditure projects, and supply chain initiatives. This role will also assist the business unit in meeting its strategic goals. You will: • Develops, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods to reduce costs and improve quality. • Track equipment and tooling repair costs for replacement justifications. • Responsible for assisting in the execution of SQDCC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Cash) goals. • Analyzes and plans work force utilization, space requirements, and workflow, and designs layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency as it pertains to new equipment installs and departmental process improvements. • Conferring with planning and design staff concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods and production goals are met. • Develops complete project plans including resources, costs, benefits, and schedules. Assumes full responsibility for all aspects of projects to ensure goals are met on time. • Communicates project status to stakeholders as appropriate and follows up to ensure project results are sustained. • Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts. • Evaluates potential products to ensure manufacturing feasibility and according to specifications and quality standards. • Works as part of a cross-functional group to implement lean principles. Leads and facilitates lean activities as needed. • Prepares and maintains manufacturing documentation (Routings, OMS’s, and MI’s) for new and existing products in manufacturing. • Prepares documentation using Excel, CAD packages, Word, and digital photography. Estimates production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions. • Conference with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes. • Applies problem solving techniques to resolve both customer and internal quality issues for manufactured products. • Interfaces with the design, production, and quality teams to ensure quality issues are addressed from an Engineering standpoint. • Participates in PFMEA (Process, Failure, Mode, Effects, Analysis), Quality Plan development for new and existing products, and safety RCCM’s. • Works to create and maintain a safe work environment. Key Qualifications: • Earned at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering or Operations Management. • Proficient in Word and Excel. • Be able to use fact-based problem solving. • Have the ability to use sound judgement and analyze situations and problems. • Be able to clearly express oneself orally and in writing. • Have the ability to effectively negotiate when necessary. • Have the ability to develop systems and processes. • Be able to adapt to change and ambiguity. • Have the ability to read blueprints or process plans. • Be able to persist in the face of difficulties. • Have a drive for results and capacity for learning. • Have the ability to work in a cross functional team environment. • Experience or relevant advanced academic training supporting a complex manufacturing/assembly facility and exposure to high volume production. • Experience in an ERP system such as JDE or SAP. Compensation: For this full-time position working at this location, the anticipated annualized base pay range will be from $61200 - $113600 / year. At Pentair, it is not typical for an individual to be hired near the bottom or top of the pay range. Pentair considers various factors in determining actual compensation for this position at the expected location. Actual compensation will be commensurate with demonstrable level of experience and training, pertinent education including licensure and certifications, work location, and other relevant business or organizational needs. This position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as, annual incentive bonus. Benefits: As a Pentair employee, you would enjoy a wide array of benefit options to help keep you and your family healthy and protected, health benefits, a generous 401(k), employee stock purchase program, disability benefits, life insurance, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, parental leave, caregiver leave, tuition reimbursement, plus paid time off and wellness programs to encourage a healthy work/life balance. Equal Opportunity Employer Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.

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