Manufacturing Engineering & NPI Manager

Kohler (Rehlko); Sheboygan (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Work-life flexibility

Recognition and rewards

Development and career opportunities

A safe and inclusive workplace

Job summary

Rehlko in Mosel, WI is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering & NPI Manager to lead the development and introduction of complex manufacturing processes and new products into production.

You will supervise a team of engineers, partner with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations, and ensure on-time, on-cost launches with required quality. This onsite role offers growth and opportunities across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, or Industrial Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of industrial manufacturing experience.
• Experience in leading engineering teams and NPI projects.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Engineering Leadership: lead and develop a team of manufacturing and process engineers.
• Own process capability, efficiency, and stability across production lines.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee equipment selection, installation, and validation.
• Ensure safety, regulatory, and quality compliance.
• Lead cross-functional NPI activities from concept to full production.
• Develop and manage NPI plans with timelines and budgets.
• Collaborate with R&D/Design to ensure manufacturability.
• Oversee prototype builds, pilot runs and ramp-up.
• Maintain process documentation and readiness reviews.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput and cost.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Implement automation and tooling improvements.
• Support finance with cost modeling and ROI analysis.
• Lead engineering change management and capital projects.

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical engineering discipline

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Job description

Why Work at Rehlko

Our work is guided by our purpose: creating an energy-resilient world for a better future. This purpose embodies the legacy we bring, with more than 100 years as the global leader in energy resilience, delivering solutions critical to sustain and improve life.

Our teams have the opportunity to provide a critical resource - energy - that ensures safety, security, and independence for people around the world. Our team members are focused on pushing boundaries, continuing to innovate in an ever-changing landscape, and keeping up with the pace required to create solutions for today's world demands.

Our product range includes engines, generators, power conversion, UPS systems, EV components and electrification solutions, microgrid controls and management, and clean energy solutions that serve a broad spectrum of OEM, residential, industrial, and commercial customers. At Rehlko, you have the freedom to identify, create, and deliver solutions - large and small - that help people and communities thrive in the moments that matter.

At Rehlko, our team members are the essential energy that powers our organization's success. We are committed to fostering a safe and sustainable work environment where safety is everyone's responsibility. We empower every team member to actively participate in our Zero Is Possible safety culture by encouraging open communication, proactively reporting hazards, following protocols, and suggesting improvements. Join us in creating an energy resilient world for a better future!

What We Offer

At Rehlko, our Total Rewards programs are designed to accelerate growth, energize performance, and support a culture of inclusion at every stage of life and work. We offer total rewards that are easily understood, recognize results, enable career mobility, and reflect our commitment to valuing diverse needs in a fast-moving world. We provide:

• Competitive compensation and benefits


• Work-life flexibility


• Recognition and rewards


• Development and career opportunities


• A safe and inclusive workplace

Why You Will Love this Job

The Manufacturing Engineering & NPI Manager leads the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes while driving successful introduction of new products into production. This role oversees a team of engineers, partners closely with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations, and ensures that products launch on time, at cost, and at the required quality levels. The manager is accountable for production readiness, process capability, equipment strategy, and continuous improvement across the plant.

This role is fully onsite, Mon-Fri, based in Mosel, WI. Open to relocation.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Engineering Leadership. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing and process engineers.


• Own manufacturing process capability, efficiency, and stability across all production lines.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.


• Oversee equipment selection, justification, installation, and validation.


• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead cross‑functional NPI activities from concept through full production release.


• Develop and execute NPI project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.


• Partner with R&D/Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability (DFM) and smooth handoff.


• Oversee prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp‑up.


• Ensure all process documentation (work instructions, PFMEA, control plans, routings) is complete and accurate before launch.


• Drive readiness reviews (e.g., Gate Reviews, PPAP, First Article, Validation Builds).

Process Development & Optimization

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput, yield, and cost.


• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for process issues.


• Implement automation, tooling, and technology improvements to enhance capability.


• Maintain accurate process parameters, routings, and standards in ERP/MES systems.


• Work closely with Operations to ensure production readiness and resolve daily issues.


• Partner with Supply Chain on supplier readiness, tooling, and long‑lead items for NPI.


• Collaborate with Quality on validation, capability studies, and compliance requirements.


• Support Finance with cost modeling, capital planning, and ROI analysis.

Project & Change Management

• Lead engineering change management (ECO/ECR) for manufacturing‑related updates.


• Manage capital projects from concept through commissioning.


• Track KPIs for NPI performance, process capability, and engineering productivity.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical engineering discipline.


• 5+ years of industrial manufacturing experience - engineered-to-order, customizable, or built-to-order products; complex industrial products or equipment manufacturing. A mix of hig