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 over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.
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.
#PoweredByPossibility
We are hiring a: Sr. Special Programs & Government Security Solutions Manager
St. Louis, MO (Onsite)
Watlow is seeking a Sr. Special Programs & Government Security Solutions Manager to support Watlow’s strategic compliance efforts and help enable and strengthen relationships with key government, aerospace, and defense customers. In this role, you will serve as a compliance leader and program steward, bringing a structured and programmatic approach to identifying key requirements, monitoring for changes, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
You will support client relationships and contribute to excellence in project execution within the government and defense sectors. Core focus areas include DFAR/FAR compliance, CUI/CDI/CMMC, aerospace, DoE/DoD/ITAR restricted-access programs, anti-corruption/FCPA program management, and other segments with heightened access or operational security requirements. This role reports to the Assistant General Counsel, Global Trade Compliance, and will partner closely with Business Development, Contracts, Cybersecurity, and Global Trade Compliance.
What You’ll Do:
- Compliance Support & Risk Monitoring: Support compliance with applicable government regulations, security requirements, and contract flow-down obligations in project execution and service delivery. Identify and interpret program requirements associated with defense, aerospace, and other sensitive programs. Monitor policy trends, emerging risks, and threat mitigation options.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high quality solutions and services that meet client needs and objectives. Participate in benchmarking and other industry collaboration forums.
- Government Stakeholder Engagement: Help build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders within relevant federal, state, and local government agencies. Support full lifecycle process optimization from marketing through bid and award, production, logistics, delivery, and aftermarket support.
- Technology Management & Controls: Support implementation of technology management and collaboration tools including tagging, marking, storage, and access and transfer controls such as Technology Control Plans. Help facilitate cross-border collaboration related to restricted-access programs and contribute to integrated solutions for managing US and non-US requirements.
- Audits & Certifications: Assist with internal audits, self-assessments, and external certification processes. Support facilitation of external audits and certifications and contribute to the implementation and ongoing maturity of various compliance programs.
- Government Registrations & Procurement: Support government registrations and procurement processes such as SAM, VIPERS, and DoD Supplier Performance Risk System. Contribute to structured implementation action plans and support manufacturing licensing agreements, sub-licensing agreements, and foreign military sales. Interface with Global Trade Compliance on ITAR licensing and agreements topics as applicable.
- Investigations & Reporting: Support internal investigations and disclosures as necessary and assist with mandatory reporting requirements with a focus on transparent internal communications. Support any future NISPOM obligations or implementation requirements.
- Anti-Corruption & FCPA Program: Support and contribute to the development and maintenance of Watlow’s anti-corruption and FCPA compliance program, including policy implementation, training, risk assessments, and third party due diligence processes.
What you’ll need to succeed?
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 7–10 years of experience supporting business development, account management, compliance, or sales within the government and defense sectors
- Experience supporting contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies and defense organizations
- Working knowledge of government procurement processes, contract vehicles, and regulatory requirements including the DPAS system
- Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders in the government and defense sectors
- Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills with the ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
- Due to the nature of this role and associated laws and regulations, this position is only open to United States citizens with the future ability to hold a SECRET or TOP SECRET/SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree, MBA, or law degree
- NISPOM program management experience
- Familiarity with program managers at the Department of Energy, FAA, NIST, or NSF
- Prior experience at US government agencies or national laboratories supporting R&D programs
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
[email protected].
