Staff Engineer, Manufacturing Automation

Kohler Co.; Kohler (WI); On-site; USD 104,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kohler Co. is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer – Automation to lead the design and deployment of advanced automation 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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering or related engineering field.
• 8+ years experience related to mechanical design of automation.
• Proficiency with Creo (3D modeling) and Fanuc Roboguide.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Copilot.
• Self-motivated and able to function within a project team environment.
• 30% travel required, primarily US, Canada and Mexico.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and deployment of automation solutions to improve safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Ensure standardization of automation processes and availability of process information.
• Participate in design reviews with plant teams to meet ACT requirements.
• Ensure equipment readiness prior to project kick-off and readiness before launches.
• Develop business cases with financial justification for automation investments.
• Stay current on automation methods and advocate new tools and approaches.

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Creo

Fanuc Roboguide

Microsoft 365

Copilot

Job description

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.

Work Mode

Onsite

Location

Onsite, four days per week - Kohler, WI

Specific Responsibilities

• 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.

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