Staff Engineer, Automation

Staff Engineer, AutomationWork Mode:RemoteOpportunityThis 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.The Staff Engineer, Automation is responsible for managing, and contributing to capital investment projects of automated production equipment in any of our 14 PWE facilities globally. Major responsibilities include be the subject matter expert for production automated equipment best practices, specifications, integration into existing processes, acceptance testing at integrator and within the Plant, production startup and handoff to operations. Scope, plan, and execute major production automation projects within our 14 Plastics, Wood, and Electronics Plants utilizing the latest technology in control Systems, robotics, AGV's, vision systems, part fixturing, end of arm tooling, etc. to design safe, robust, and effective automated equipment.Develop, edit, and troubleshoot automated actuators, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) and motion-controlled programs on manufacturing equipment and machinery. Assure all equipment is, or capable of, being integrated with existing or future Smart Factory or MES systems.Be the subject matter expert to understand process and equipment capabilities of existing automated systems and share best practices for new automation projects.Be the subject matter expert in all Kohler and OSHA/ISO automated equipment safety standards, along with federal, state, and local regulations, to ensure existing and new automated equipment are compliant. Identify any gaps and work with local and corporate technical teams to resolve. Attend training, seminars, and/or industry trade shows as necessary to stay current.Act as project leader for new equipment and process implementation, as necessary.Be the point of contact for third party automation integrators. Partner with Kohler Purchasing Organization to identify a key-few highly capable integrators and establish relationships to continuously leverage the best innovations and costs positions for Kohler Co.Responsible for performance acceptance testing at the integrator prior to shipping, and the final performance testing once installed.Assist and coach technical resources with our 14 PWE Plants to support troubleshooting or continuous improvement activities of existing automation equipment.Communicate and interact effectively, both oral and written with manufacturing personnel, first line supervision, Plant management, executive leadership, customers, and vendors as part of a team-based organization.Skills/RequirementsBachelor's degree in ABET accredited school in Electrical/ Electronic Controls Engineering, Computer Science/Applied Science or other technical area.Minimum of 5 years' experience in designing, implementing, and/or maintain industrial automated equipment in a manufacturing environment. Technical knowledge of programming languages, robotic equipment, control systems, vision systems, end of arm tooling, etc. is required, but prefer a candidate with a network of automation industry connections to stay up to date on latest technologies and industry best practices.Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited School or a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with demonstrated design experience in a manufacturing environment.Ability to travel ~40%We will consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this opportunity.Why Work at Kohler Co.?Kohler Co.'s mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates' development to make that happen. So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual's personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler. In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, health, vision, dental, 401(k) with company matching, and more! About UsBeyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities. We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at . It is Kohler's policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability or veteran status. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the Federal EEO is the Law and the EEO is the Law Supplement .