Staff Engineer, Manufacturing Automation
Work Mode: Onsite
Location: Onsite, four days per week - Kohler, WI
Opportunity
As Staff Manufacturing
Engineer – Automation, you will lead the design and deployment of advanced
automation solutions that strengthen safety, quality, delivery, and cost
performance across Kohler’s global manufacturing network. This role turns
emerging technology into scalable, standardized equipment and
processes—partnering with plant teams, engineering leaders, and suppliers to
build smarter, more capable manufacturing systems. You will provide technical
leadership from concept through implementation, helping ensure automation
solutions are ready for launch, sustainable for plant teams, and aligned to
Kohler’s long-term manufacturing strategy.
Specific Responsibilities
As
the Staff Manufacturing Engineer - Automation, provide the technical leadership
and coordination in the following:
- Support
the global strategy for automated solutions that provides the best balance
of safety, quality, delivery and cost.
- Implement
the strategy of achieving standardized automation processes and ensure
availability of process information.
- Participate
in design engineering reviews with plant teams to ensure the solutions will
meet the requirements proposed in the ACT.
- Ensure
equipment and process readiness prior to kick off of projects.
- Ensure
automation processes are capable, ready, and proven prior to new product
launches.
- Provide
capacity planning, capital equipment recommendations and implementation
partnership with the plant operations engineering teams.
- Develop
business cases with supporting financial justification that illustrate the
proof of value of the investment.
- Remain
up-to-date on all methods of automation and related tools while
recommending new approaches and tools.
- Deploy
leading technological advancements to achieve SQDC improvements for both
internal and supplier processes as they relate to automation.
- Mastery
understanding of robotics, automation products, and vision systems
- Collaboration
with automation engineering staff and equipment suppliers to provide
process control requirements and offer design critiques and mitigation
when required.
- Ability
to create and/or understand value stream maps, time studies, and
production schedules.
- Mechanical design mastery with firm knowledge of GD&T including the use of AutoCAD and Creo (3D modeling)
- Intermediate Fanuc Roboguide Simulation Software knowledge
- Intermediate hydraulic, pneumatic, & machining knowledge
Other
Skillsets (not required, highly desirable)
- Intermediate knowledge of PLC programming (Rockwell Automation, Siemens)
- Functional safety engineering (SAF TUV) control reviews to ensure supplier design commitments meet specification with mastery of regulatory safety standards.
- Basic
knowledge of ASRS systems.
- Intermediate
knowledge of AGV systems.
Skills/Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering or related engineering field required.
- 30% travel required. Majority of travel will be focused on US, Canada, and Mexico.
- 8+ years experience
related to mechanical design of automation required.
- Proficiency with Creo (3D modeling) and Fanuc Roboguide
required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Copilot.
- Must be self-motivated and have the ability to function
within a project team environment.
#LI-BV1
#LI-Onsite
Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period.
The salary range for this position is $103,900 - $160,000. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.
Why Choose Kohler?
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.
About Us
It is Kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
