Project Engineer, VAVE

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location: Hybrid in Union City, TN

Opportunity

Join a passionate team of engineering professionals delivering innovative and quality consumer products to Americas customers. The primary responsibility of our VAVE Project Engineer is to identify and realize cost out opportunities in a target-oriented manner through VAVE methodology and total cost analysis as part of a highly collaborative cross-functional team. The VAVE Project Engineer will combine strong technical and communication skills with creativity to ensure the highest level of quality and experiences for our customers.

In this role, you will:

• Leverage your engineering fundamentals and creative problem-solving skills to design innovative, cost effective, and highly functional bathing, showering and styling space products that lead our industry and delight our customers.

• Determine the technical feasibility of new product concepts and product redesigns for existing products.

• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams including marketing, program management, industrial design, and operations to develop innovative solutions and deliver quality improvements within specified timeline.

• Partner with our global engineering organization to share knowledge and best practices and provide feedback on designs and deliverables

• Study market trends, customer reviews, regulatory requirements and emerging technologies to identify future opportunities for innovation and enhancement.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Perform cost out opportunity mining exercises by pareto analysis, competitor benchmarking and tear down, operations/distribution center site visits, etc.

• Apply VAVE methodologies and tools to identify cost reduction opportunities.

• Perform total cost benefit analysis and finalize annualized savings for given projects.

• Develop alternative design concept prototypes and CAD drawings using design software. Coordinate the development and verification testing of alternative designs.

• Create/update BOMs, submit engineering change requests and release the revised designs in Windchill and SAP.

• Work with cross functional teams to ensure engineering changes are compliant with regional/global regulations, operations processes, internal standards, sustainability goals, and customer requirements.

• Provide high-level feasibility analysis on initial product concepts.

• Perform engineering calculations, tolerance stacks, and develop detailed technical drawings, incorporating engineering standards and GD&T.

• Conduct and attend Technical Design Reviews, Failure Mode and Effect Analyses, and brainstorming sessions and contribute professional opinion, creative ideas, concepts, and approaches to new product design and development projects. Utilize these tools to identify and mitigate risk.

• Evaluate designs for environmental sustainability and recommend improvements.

• Utilize CAD software for the realization of concepts or designs.

• Leverage our world class on-site prototyping and test lab capabilities to validate product features and production and make necessary design modifications based on results.

• Capture knowledge for re-use and sharing across the global development organization.

• Use speaking, writing and listening skills to effectively share information, communicate results, express opinions and motivate others to act.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited program.

• Minimum of 2 years of mechanical engineering experience.

• Previous experience in new product design and existing product optimization-preferred

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of CAD modeling.

• International and domestic travel as needed

#LI-SC2

#LI-Hybrid

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $83,300 - $105,200. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

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!

*Important update for candidates applying to roles within Kohler Energy, including Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.

On November 6, Kohler Co. announced the strategic decision to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting the acceleration of long-term growth strategies for both organizations. Talent and operational transition plans are underway, and Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity expect the agreement to close in the first half of 2024.Thank you for your interest in joining our growing team as we embark on the next phase of growth!

About Us

Beyond 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 www.kohlercompany.com .

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 status as a protected veteran. If, as an individual with a disability, you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact kohlerjobs@kohler.com . Kohler Co. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

We invite you to learn more about equal employment opportunity by reviewing the FederalEEO is the Law (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf) and theEEO is the Law Supplement (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf) .