Kohler Co. · 16 hours ago
Technical Program Manager, Transformative Innovation
Kohler, WI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$142K/yr - $223K/yr
10+ years expKohler 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 leading-edge electromechanical systems from R&D through to functional prototypes and design transfer, while coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams to align technical innovation with business needs.
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
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
Preferred
3+ years in R&D or advanced development environments. Agile/Scrum, or equivalent certification
Hands-on background in product development for consumer goods, consumer electronics
Prior experience in technology readiness assessments or technology maturation planning
Benefits
Access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period
Eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation
Competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing
Access to career growth and development opportunities
A diverse and inclusive workplace
A strong culture of innovation
Company
Kohler Co.
We’re a community of creators. Status quo busters. Difference makers.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
David Kohler
Chair & Chief Executive Officer
.Davor Grgic
Consultant — Retired CIO & VP - Sustainability
Recent News
2025-08-07
Google Patent
2025-05-07
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