Sr Project Engineer, NPI
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Location: Onsite four days per week, Kohler WIOpportunityThis 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 a Senior
Manufacturing 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.


The actual base salary offered to a candidate may be higher than the approved range. This will vary depending on 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 and a special project incentive.
We empower each associate to #BecomeMoreAtKohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing and help you be your best. It’s a workplace that works—for you, your family, and your lifestyle. You are eligible for our total rewards package on Day 1 of your employment, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; mental health and care resources; pension and 401k plan with company match; paid time off and volunteer time off; paid maternity and paternity leave; tuition assistance; and associate discounts on a variety of Kohler products and services.
It is the policy of Kohler Co. to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are strongly committed to this policy and believe in the concept and spirit of the law. Kohler Co. is committed to assuring that: All recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and other employment related programs and processes are provided fairly to all persons on an equal opportunity basis without regard to any characteristic protected by law; Employment decisions are based on merit and the principles of equal opportunity; Its applicants and associates with disabilities have equal access to its employment processes, including those implemented through information and communication technologies. When requested and possible, Kohler Co. will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure qualified applicants and associates with disabilities receive equal employment opportunity in the operation of employment policies and processes. In addition, Kohler Co. complies with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and associates to accommodate known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; It will provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs or practices where appropriate and in accordance with applicable law; an Associates and applicants will not be subjected to retaliation, harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination because they have exercised any right protected by law. Kohler Co. believes in and practices equal opportunity. The Assistant General Counsel, Employment & Compliance, serves as the Equal Opportunity Coordinator for Kohler Co., and has overall responsibility for assuring compliance with this Policy. All associates are expected to support and uphold this policy. Kohler Co. maintains Affirmative Action Plans as required by and in accordance with applicable law. Any questions regarding the Plans should be directed to the Assistant General Counsel, Employment & Compliance.