Sr. Engineer - Manufacturing & Tooling - (req73587)

Sterling Kohler; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day 1 benefits

Performance bonus

Job summary

Kohler Co. is seeking a Sr. Engineer for Manufacturing & Tooling to lead end-to-end design, development, procurement, and validation of plastic injection molds and fixtures.

This role bridges design, quality, and production to ensure tools meet performance, budget, and aesthetic requirements. The candidate will oversee DFM reviews, moldflow analyses, and supplier selection, with on-site responsibilities at Sheridan, AR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Plastics or Manufacturing Engineering with 3+ years in plastic injection mold manufacturing.
• High proficiency in CAD modeling software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX) and CAM software.
• Strong Moldflow expertise and advanced DFM practices.
• Knowledge of hot/cold runner systems and tool steel selections.
• Familiarity with SPC, DOE, and Six Sigma.
• Ability to work on active manufacturing plant floors.

Responsibilities

• Lead tool design from concept through engineering validation.
• Conduct DFM reviews to evaluate part feasibility and drive changes.
• Analyze Moldflow simulations to optimize gating and cooling.
• Maintain CAD files, customer prints, water diagrams, and hot runner schematics.
• Draft RFQs and oversee tool-build vendor selection.

Skills

Mold design

Plastic injection

Mechanical engineering

3+ years experience

CAD/CAM software

Moldflow simulation

SPC

DOE

Six Sigma

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

CAM software

Job description

Sr. Engineer - Manufacturing & Tooling

Work Mode:Onsite

Location:Onsite - Sheridan, AR

Opportunity

ThePlastics ToolingEngineeroversees the end-to-end design, development, procurement, andvalidation of plastic injection molds and related manufacturing fixtures. Thisrole acts as a critical technical bridge between product design, quality assurance,and manufacturing, ensuring all tools meet strict performance, budget, andaesthetic requirements. The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of polymerbehavior with advanced mold-making engineering to optimize productionefficiency and scale high-volume manufacturing.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Lead tool designand development from earlyconceptual phases through final engineering validation.
• Conduct extensive Design for Manufacturability(DFM)reviews to evaluate part feasibility and drive geometric changesthat protect tool scalability.
• Analyze Moldflow simulations, part advisor outputs, andstress/fatigue data to optimize gating locations, cooling strategies, andejection systems.
• Maintain digital assetsby managing and updating CADfiles, customer prints, water diagrams, and hot runner schematics.

Vendor Management & Project Execution

• Draft Request for Quotes (RFQs), evaluate suppliercapabilities, and lead the technical assessment for mold-builder selection.
• Manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgetsand meetmaster timelines for internal and external tool builds.
• Perform regular auditsand tracking of global ordomestic tooling vendors regarding quality, delivery schedules, andconstruction standards.

Qualifications & Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate tooling trials (T1/T2), troubleshootprocessing flaws, and establish parameters for the optimal molding environment.
• Review validation documents, and final First ArticleInspection (FAI) or Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) reports toofficially sign off on new production lines.
• Sustain production machineryby analyzing datapatterns, establishing preventative maintenance protocols, and implementingcontinuous improvement measures.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a highly related engineering discipline with 3+ years of hands-on experience in plastic injection mold manufacturing, mold design, or tooling program tracking
• High proficiency in CAD modeling software (e.g. SolidWorks, Creo, NX) and CAM software
• Strong expertise in Moldflow simulation software and advanced DFM practices
• Deep understanding of hot/cold runner systems, tool steel selections, and various polymer behaviors
• Familiarity with Quality tools such as SPC, DOE, and Six Sigma techniques
• Ability to work comfortably in active manufacturing plant floors

#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 $92,400 - $141,000. 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 [e-mail]. Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.