Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) Associate
Waters
Milpitas, CA · Posted September 15, 2026
No experience needed. The posting says: “Upcoming graduates with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.”
Training provided. The posting says: “Position : Operations Leadership Development Program Associate”
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Where Milpitas, CA ranks
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November 2026
- #12Best cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast60% · of 71
- #17Best cities for manufacturing and industrial pay after cost of living$132k · of 35
- #19Best cities for pay after cost of living in California$149k · of 32
- #20Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the West Coast46 / 100 · of 39
- #20Best all-round cities for AI careers in the West Coast44 / 100 · of 39
- #21Cities with the most jobs that need no experience in the West Coast0.8% · of 66
Rankings about operations jobs
- Best cities for operations jobs #1 New York (1,429 openings)
- Best cities for operations pay after cost of living #1 Reston ($177k)
- Most requested AI skills in operations jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (2.5%)
- AI tools named most often in operations jobs #1 Claude (0.28%)
- Employers with the most operations jobs #1 Amazon (1,480 roles)
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About the job
Overview
Position : Operations Leadership Development Program Associate
Locations: California (Milpitas, San Diego), USA or Maryland (Sparks), USA.
Program Length : 3 Years (Full-Time, Permanent; Final Placement Upon Completion)
Overview:
Are you ready to launch your career in Global Operations with a world-class organization that focuses on accelerating the benefits of pioneering science to improve human health and well-being? Our Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) is a dynamic three-year development opportunity designed to cultivate the next generation of operations leaders. Based in California, USA or Maryland, USA, this immersive program offers cross-functional training and hands-on experience within a global life sciences organization.
Over the course of four, nine-month rotations, you will gain hands-on experience across our key capabilities within operations. Each rotation is designed to build critical skills, provide global exposure, and develop your leadership capabilities through mentorship and real-workplace challenges. One rotation will also include the opportunity to lead and supervise a team. Upon successful completion of the program, you will transition into a full-time leadership role aligned with your strengths and business needs.
Responsibilities
Three-Year Rotational departments could include, but are not limited to:
Supply Chain
Procurement
Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial)
Manufacturing Operations
Chemical Manufacturing Operations
Consumables
Instrumentation
Informatics
Continuous Improvement / Lean Six Sigma / Operational Excellence
Quality Assurance
Environmental, Health & Safety
Program Highlights:
Global Exposure: Work with cross-functional teams and gain insight into international operations
Foundational Experience: A broad, foundational understanding of global operations in a high-impact industry
Professional Development & Networking: Gain leadership coaching, people management and technical skills training, project management experience and opportunities to connect with senior leaders.
A pathway to a meaningful, full-time career with long-term advancement potential
Working in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
Final Placement: A full-time position upon successful completion of the program
Competitive Salary & Benefits
What We Are Looking For:
Upcoming graduates with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Problem solvers with strong analytical and project management skills
Strong communicators with written, verbal and presentation skills
Leaders who are self-motivated, work well independently as well as part of a team, and have a strong attention to detail.
Individuals who are open to geographic mobility and excited about opportunities to grow within different regions or markets.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial)
Internship or Co-Op experience in relevant coursework
Commitment to the full 3-year program
To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require sponsorship (current or future) for employment visa status.
The Operations Leadership Development Program is set to begin June 21st, 2027.
Company Description
Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.
Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.