Engineer, New Product Integration - (req72539)

Sterling Kohler; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 77,200 - 117,300; Full time

Job summary

Kohler Co. is seeking an Engineer, New Product Integration to join the team onsite in Kohler, WI.

You will drive early manufacturing involvement and execute NPD deliverables, coordinating with NPI and Operations to ensure products are Right the First Time with safety, quality, delivery and cost targets. The role requires a mechanical/industrial/manufacturing engineering background, experience in NPD/DFMA, and strong cross-functional communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management or New Product Development Engineering.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes: stainless steel, cast iron, acrylics, resins, SMC.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects across functions and timelines.
• Experience communicating information at all levels across functions.

Responsibilities

• Drive manufacturing input into NPD projects to improve design and reliability using DFMA, FMEA, and regular feedback.
• Project management for operations functions (quality, engineering, data services production, materials) related to NPI/NPD projects.
• Lead initiatives like PFEP, cost reduction, capacity evaluations, and supply chain integrity.
• Build product cost models with NPI/Operations support to control costs and meet launch targets.
• Provide Make-vs-Buy analysis support using cash cost modeling and global capacity considerations.
• Develop plant project execution timelines for all locations and align with overall project plans.
• Ensure inventory milestones are met; support project managers with clear communication of project facts.
• Fulfill all operations deliverables for Global Kitchen and Bath NPD, including contingency plans to keep launches on schedule.
• Drive Time to Market improvements while ensuring launch quality and process capability.Collaborate with Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Supplier Quality to align on fulfillment strategies.
• Apply engineering fundamentals to problem solve, justify risk, and make informed decisions.
• Operate with minimal supervision and coordinate with production, engineering, NPD, purchasing, and marketing as needed.
• Present project status to senior leadership and maintain cross-functional relationships.
• Coordinate systematic tool design and CAD engineering for production of Kohler products.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Time management

Microsoft Office

SAP

Leadership

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

ProE/CREO

Microsoft Projects

Job description

Engineer, New Product Integration

Work Mode:Onsite

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

Opportunity

This is more than a job posting for Kohler Company, one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in North America. This is an invitation to collaborate and apply your craft in a creative conscious and characterful culture.

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.

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 [e-mail]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.