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Waters Corporation Employees Reviews, Feedback, Testimonials

Analytical instruments and laboratory solutionsMilford, United States1,001-5,000 employees
4
3 reviews

About Waters Corporation

Waters Corporation, headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts, is a leading provider in analytical laboratory instruments and software, specializing in separation science and mass spectrometry. The company’s product lineup includes liquid chromatography systems, mass spectrometers, sample preparation tools and laboratory informatics designed for pharmaceutical, biopharma, environmental and food safety customers. Waters supports innovation in life sciences through reliable instrumentation, application expertise and global customer support. The organization emphasizes technical excellence and continuous learning, offering engineers and scientists opportunities to deepen skills in analytical chemistry, method development and product support. Waters is recognized in the industry for pioneering chromatography technologies and for its role in advancing separation methods—an achievement that reinforces its reputation among research and quality-control labs. For prospective employees, the company culture blends scientific rigor with customer-focused teamwork, making it appealing to professionals who value innovation in laboratory instrumentation and robust career development in the analytical sciences.

Detailed Waters Corporation employee reviews & experience

Employee Testimonials

"I enjoy the hands-on work and the team camaraderie — you feel like your lab work matters." That is a common line you will hear from scientists and technicians. Other employees say they appreciate the structured onboarding and the chance to work with high-quality instruments. Some people mention occasional bureaucracy and slow decision-making, but most say the technical problems and collaborative teams make it worthwhile. If you are someone who likes practical impact and steady processes, working at Waters Corporation often feels rewarding.

Company Culture

The company culture at Waters Corporation leans toward being technical, quality-driven, and safety-conscious. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and customer focus. Teams are typically collaborative within functional areas, with many employees valuing the clear standards and regulatory awareness. Innovation is encouraged, though the pace can be deliberate because of compliance requirements and product validation. Overall, company culture at Waters Corporation favors steady, thoughtful work over rapid, disruptive change.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance at Waters Corporation is generally positive, with many employees reporting a predictable schedule and reasonable expectations. You will find that roles tied to manufacturing or instrument service may require occasional travel or on-call rotations, while office and corporate roles often offer more consistent hours. There are times, such as product launches or audits, when extra effort is needed, but most teams try to respect personal time and vacations.

Job Security

There is a strong focus on stable, long-term product lines and recurring revenue from instruments and consumables. This business model tends to support job security, particularly for roles in manufacturing, service, and regulatory affairs. There may be periodic reorganizations aligned with corporate strategy or market conditions, but permanent large-scale layoffs are not frequent. Employees will generally find that steady performance and adaptability safeguard their positions.

Leadership and Management

Leadership is experienced and technically informed, with many senior leaders coming from scientific or engineering backgrounds. The executive team usually sets clear priorities and communicates a focus on quality, compliance, and customer outcomes. Management style can vary by region and business unit, but there is an overall emphasis on measured decision-making and risk management. Leaders are visible in major initiatives and provide structured direction.

Manager Reviews

Managers are often praised for their technical ability and attention to detail. Many employees report that direct managers are supportive of career growth, open to feedback, and willing to mentor. At times, employees observe variability in managerial agility and transparency, especially during cross-functional projects. Overall, manager reviews are favorable for those who value coaching, practical guidance, and consistent performance assessment.

Learning & Development

Learning and development resources are available and fairly robust. Training covers product knowledge, regulatory compliance, quality systems, and technical skill-building. There are formal onboarding programs and ongoing workshops, plus opportunities for external courses in relevant fields. Employees will find that the company supports certification and professional development tied to business needs.

Opportunities for Promotions

Career paths are defined, particularly in technical and sales tracks. There is both a technical ladder for scientists and engineers and a management track for leaders. Promotions are earned through performance, demonstrated leadership, and cross-functional experience. Advancement may require patience, as promotion cycles are regular but not exceptionally fast.

Salary Ranges

Salaries vary by geography and role, but typical U.S. ranges might approximate:

  • Lab Technician / Service Technician: $45,000–$65,000
  • Applications Scientist / Field Service Engineer: $60,000–$95,000
  • Research / Development Scientist: $75,000–$120,000
  • Design / Process Engineer: $70,000–$120,000
  • Senior Engineer / Scientist: $100,000–$150,000
  • Manager / Senior Manager: $110,000–$170,000
  • Director and above: $140,000–$250,000+ These ranges are approximate and will vary with location, experience, and function.

Bonuses & Incentives

There is an annual bonus structure tied to individual performance and company results. Sales roles typically have commission or incentive plans. Senior roles may receive long-term incentives such as stock-based awards or restricted stock units. Bonuses are commonly described as competitive and aligned with corporate performance.

Health and Insurance Benefits

Health and insurance offerings are comprehensive. Standard benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and health savings account options where applicable. There is also a retirement savings plan with company matching contributions in many locations. Overall, the benefits package is consistent with industry norms and supports employee wellbeing.

Employee Engagement and Events

Engagement efforts include town halls, team-building activities, and recognition programs. There are occasional company-wide events and local celebrations that foster connection. Employee resource groups and volunteer opportunities are available in some regions. Engagement is practical and focused on reinforcing quality and customer focus.

Remote Work Support

Remote work support is role-dependent. Office-based roles and corporate functions may have hybrid or full-remote options, subject to manager approval. Laboratory, manufacturing, and field service roles require on-site presence. Remote employees will find that collaboration tools and processes are in place, but expectations for in-person collaboration remain for many teams.

Average Working Hours

Standard working hours are around 40 hours per week for most office roles. Shift work applies in manufacturing and service, with scheduled rotation. During busy periods such as launches or audits, hours can increase temporarily. Overall, working hours are predictable and align with role requirements.

Attrition Rate & Layoff History

Turnover tends to be moderate and closely tied to market conditions and business cycles. There have been occasional restructurings to align resources with strategic priorities, but widespread layoffs have not been a recurring theme in recent public reports. Employees will find that retention is supported by stable product demand and steady career pathways.

Overall Company Rating

Overall, the company rates well for people who value technical excellence, steady career progression, and a focus on quality. It is a good fit for professionals seeking structured development and stable work in scientific and technical fields. On a five-point scale, an overall rating of 4.0/5 would reflect solid compensation and benefits, dependable job security, and a practical, professional culture.

Detailed Employee Ratings

3.3
Work-Life Balance
3.7
Compensation
3.7
Company Culture
4.3
Career Growth
4
Job Security

Filter Reviews

3 reviews found

Employee Reviews (3)

Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at Waters Corporation

4.0

Software Engineer Review

IT / SoftwareFull-timeHybrid
August 1, 2025

What I liked

Competitive pay for the region, flexible hours, and approachable managers. Projects are technically interesting and you get to work on instrument software integrations.

Areas for improvement

Performance review cycle could be more transparent. Some sprints have very tight deadlines which affect work-life balance occasionally.

3.0

Field Applications Scientist Review

Applications / SupportFull-timeOn-site
July 10, 2025

What I liked

Good technical training and exposure to a wide range of customers. Waters Corporation products are industry-leading which makes problem-solving rewarding.

Areas for improvement

Frequent reorganizations affected team stability, and salary growth was slower than expected. Long travel and occasional weekend work were common.

5.0

Research Scientist Review

R&DFull-timeHybrid
June 15, 2025

What I liked

Great colleagues, strong focus on innovation, and access to modern LC-MS and chromatography tools. Waters Corporation invests in training and conferences which helped my technical growth.

Areas for improvement

Decision making can be slow at times and there is some internal bureaucracy. Career moves can require patience.