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Kohler Co. · 2 weeks ago

Technical Program Manager, Transformative Innovation

Kohler, WI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$142K/yr - $223K/yr

10+ years exp

Kohler Co. is seeking a highly skilled Technical Program Manager with a strong mechanical engineering background to lead complex, cross-disciplinary projects. This role involves managing the execution of advanced mechanical and electromechanical systems from early-stage R&D through to functional prototypes and design transfer.

Consumer Goods

No H1B

Hiring Manager

Sarah Briggs

Responsibilities

Define and lead the execution of advanced mechanical and electromechanical development programs

Drive early-phase project scoping, feasibility assessments, risk analysis, and technology down-selection

Own integrated development schedules, aligning cross-functional efforts in hardware, firmware, systems, and testing

Manage stage-gate processes, including design reviews, concept validation, and development builds

Support IP generation, regulatory strategies, and compliance activities as part of early-stage development

Partner with engineering leads to ensure technical milestones (e.g. proof-of-concept, alpha/beta builds, verification/validation) are achieved

Coordinate system architecture reviews, DFM/DFA activities, material and process selection, and system integration

Guide the transition of products from concept development into design for manufacture and pilot production

Communicate project status, technical risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders across engineering, operations, and executive leadership

Maintain technical documentation, change control, and revision tracking across complex systems development

Facilitate technical design reviews and post-project retrospectives to drive continuous improvement

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringElectromechanical SystemsProject ManagementCAD ToolsPLM ToolsRisk AnalysisTechnical DocumentationCommunication SkillsTeam Leadership

Required

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (e.g., Mechatronics, Systems Engineering) with minimum of 10+ years of experience required

5+ years of engineering project management experience

Deep understanding of complex mechanical systems, integrated hardware/software products, or electromechanical assemblies

Experience with early-stage prototyping, iterative development, tolerance analysis, and V&V planning

Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (e.g, Creo, Windchill etc.) and technical documentation best practices

Demonstrated ability to manage uncertainty, lead technical discussions, and influence outcomes across disciplines