Kohler

Engineer, New Product Integration

Kohler$77K — $117K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, or related discipline)
  • 6 months to 3 years of relevant experience in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, or New Product Development Engineering
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes including stainless steel, cast iron, acrylics, resins, and SMC
  • Ability to independently manage multiple complex projects in various development stages
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional effectiveness
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and SAP; experience with Microsoft Projects preferred
  • Confident in leading discussions and conflict resolution with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Drive manufacturing input into NPD projects to enhance design effectiveness and reliability
  • Act as Project Manager across operations including quality, engineering, and materials for NPI and NPD
  • Develop product cost models and manage product costs through development phases
  • Conduct Make versus Buy analysis considering cash cost modeling and global capacity
  • Create execution timelines and project plans for manufacturing locations
  • Ensure all Operations deliverables for the Global Kitchen and Bath NPD process are met
  • Drive improvements in time to market and ensure quality levels for new products.

Benefits

  • Access to applicable benefit programs from day one, with no waiting period.
  • Performance bonus/variable incentive compensation eligibility.
  • Comprehensive support from the moment you join the company.
Full Job Description
Engineer, New Product Integration

Work Mode: Onsite

Location:Onsite, four days per week - Kohler, WI

As an Engineer, New Product Integration (NPI) you will engage as a core project team member, as well as the operations leader, to drive early manufacturing involvement and execute the manufacturing New Product Development (NPD) deliverables, while synchronizing with plant NPI and Operations teams to ensure new products are "Right the First Time," achieving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Specific Responsibilities
  • Drive Manufacturing input into NPD projects to improve design effectiveness and reliability through Design for Manufacture and assembly (DFMA), design reviews, Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) and regular feedback.
  • Project Manager for all operations functions such as quality, engineering, data services production, and materials, related to NPI and NPD projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, new product launches, DfX initiatives, fulfillment strategies, Plan for
  • Every Part (PFEP), cost reduction implementations, capacity evaluations, supply chain integrity, costing, REA initiation, and process development.
  • Build product cost models, with plant NPI and Operations support, to actively manage product costs through development and meet launch targets.
  • Provide technical support for Make versus Buy analysis, utilizing cash cost modeling and consideration of Global Capacity and Asset Optimization.
  • Together with plant NPI and Operations, develop plant project execution timelines and project plans for all manufacturing locations and feed back into overall timelines for projects.
  • Accountable, in coordination with plant NPI personnel, for achieving scheduled 'Inventory in Stock' date. Support plant NPI and Operations project managers, on all projects as assigned, to ensure complete and accurate communication of project facts.
  • Responsible for fulfilling all Operations related deliverables for Global Kitchen and Bath NPD process, including the active creation and execution of contingency plans to mitigate risk or to keep project launches on schedule.
  • Drive Time to Market Improvements. Ensure Quality and Performance Levels are met for New Product Launches (i.e. launch with no Deviations and match process capability to specifications).
  • Utilize Supply Chain, Purchasing & Supplier Quality Organizations in line with the Operations Strategy to develop the product fulfillment strategy.
  • Applying engineering fundamentals to problem solving & make appropriate decisions, justify risk under critical review. Develop conclusions and recommend actions.
  • Operate without need for technical supervision.
  • Liaise closely with all levels of production, engineering, NPD, purchasing, and marketing providing clear information where necessary. Use relationships to maintain a network to support Production Strategies.
  • Present project status and escalations to multiple levels of operations leadership including Managers/Directors/VP.
  • This position will coordinate the development of systematic tool design and engineering functions required for production of products at Kohler Co. utilizing CAD technology.


Skills/Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical, or related engineering discipline)
  • 6 months - 3 years of experience in one or more of the following:
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Project Management
    • New Product Development Engineering
  • Knowledge or experience in manufacturing processes: stainless steel, cast iron, acrylics, resins, SMC
  • Must be able to independently manage multiple projects of a complex nature that are in various stages of development.
  • Experience of communicating information at all levels across various functions: written & verbally, concisely and accurately.
  • A tenacious, enthusiastic, results driven individual with excellent time management skills.
  • A confident user of Microsoft office software & SAP
  • Must be structured and organized, with an ability to work on their own, within a team, and lead a small team when required. Management experience would be beneficial.
  • Experience creating and managing Microsoft Projects
  • Experience in ProE/CREO is a benefit, but not required.
  • Must be skilled in leading conversations across platforms and driving conflict resolution.


#LI-SW1

#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 $77,200 - $117,300. 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.

About Kohler

Kohler is a manufacturing company that produces a variety of products, including plumbing fixtures, furniture, and engines. The company was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. Kohler is known for its high-quality products and has been recognized with numerous awards for design and innovation. The company is family-owned and has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a goal of achieving net-zero environmental impact by 2035. Kohler has operations in more than 50 countries and employs over 30,000 people worldwide.
Learn more about Kohler
Size
30,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1873

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