Staff Engineer - Residential New Product Development

Rehlko; Kohler (WI); On-site; USD 113,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Work-life flexibility

Recognition and rewards

Development and career opportunities

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Rehlko in the United States is seeking a Staff Engineer – Residential New Product Development to drive the development of innovative generators and related power solutions. You will lead cross-functional teams, define product specifications, and guide lab validation and cost analyses to meet performance targets.

The role requires 6+ years in mechanical engineering, experience with electromechanical systems, and a strong background in project leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on new consumer product development.
• Ability to travel domestically as required.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of product requirements with Marketing Product Managers and translate into functional specifications.
• Develop project cost estimates and collaborate with Marketing to present business cases.
• Provide technical direction to CAD Design Analysts and engineers; design products to meet performance and cost objectives.
• Guide lab technicians in validation testing and product evaluation.
• Approve selection of major purchased components and support decisions with engineering analysis.
• Track project spending with Accounting and Procurement to ensure budget targets.
• Validate designs through testing to meet performance, reliability, and durability goals.
• Apply Design for Environment (DfE) principles to support sustainability objectives.
• Maintain schedules and ensure on-time delivery using project management skills.
• Provide clear, concise, and timely status updates on projects.
• Mentor junior engineers in product development processes and best practices.

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree

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

Under the direction of the Sr. Manager, NPD Engineering, the Staff Engineer – Residential New Product Development will support the development of innovative products, including Automatic Transfer Switches and both air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators. The role provides technical direction and project leadership in the development of power generation solutions, while coordinating and guiding the efforts of CAD Design Analysts, Engineering Analysts, and Lab Technicians.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the development of product requirements in collaboration with Marketing Product Managers and translate those requirements into functional specifications that define design targets.
• Develop project cost estimates and partner with Marketing to present business cases.
• Provide technical and design direction to CAD Design Analysts and other engineers; design assigned products to meet performance and cost objectives.
• Guide lab technicians in validation testing and product evaluation.
• Approve the selection of major purchased components (e.g., alternators, controllers, inverters, batteries, enclosures) and support decisions with sound engineering analysis.
• Collaborate with Accounting and Procurement to track project spending and product costs, ensuring alignment with budget targets.
• Validate designs through testing to meet performance, reliability, and durability goals.
• Apply Design for Environment (DfE) principles to support sustainability objectives in product development.
• Utilize project management skills to maintain schedules and ensure on-time delivery.
• Provide clear, concise, and timely status updates on assigned projects.
• Mentor junior engineers in product development processes and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (required).
• 6+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on new consumer product development.
• Experience with Electromechanical systems a plus.
• Basic understanding of generators, large gaseous engines, and electrical/electronic systems, including considerations for current and future system development.
• Coursework or experience related to internal combustion engines (preferred).
• Power generation or generator set (genset) experience (a plus).
• Demonstrated project management and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to travel domestically as required.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The Salary range for this position is $113,000.00-$143,950.00. The specific Salary rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location.

About Us

Rehlko proudly offers a rich history steeped in creativity and commitment to our associates and communities, along with competitive benefits and compensation. Our Purpose—Creating an energy resilient world for a better future—and Values: Curiosity, Trust, Pace, and Excellence, are important cultural components that shape the way we work and relate to one another. Learn more about Rehlko at http://www.rehlko.com/who-we-are.

In addition to the investment in your development, Rehlko offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with Rehlko matching, and more!

Rehlko is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and will make decisions regarding employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, benefits, training, discipline, and termination, without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, age, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, caste, mental or physical disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political belief or affiliation, union membership status, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) It is the policy of Rehlko to comply with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and corresponding national, state, local, or other applicable laws. Rehlko will not discriminate against any qualified associate or applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person's physical or mental disability. Rehlko will provide a reasonable accommodation to associates or applicants with disabilities, in accordance with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require an accommodation in the application process or during the course of employment, please contact [e-mail].

Rehlko is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Our Values Curiosity – Seek, learn, share Trust – Go farther together Pace – Focus to go faster Excellence – Find the win every day