Staff engineer npi
work mode: onsite
location: onsite – juárez, nuevo león, méxico
opportunity
at kohler company, we are driven to create products that delight consumers while delivering operational excellence. We are seeking a staff engineer, plant npi – vpe to serve as a technical and manufacturing integration leader at our vitreous manufacturing operations in mexico. This role is critical to ensuring new vitreous products are successfully industrialized, meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost (sqdc) targets from concept through launch and post-launch stabilization.
how you’ll contribute
* lead manufacturing readiness activities for new product introductions from early feasibility through launch.
* drive sqdc (safety, quality, delivery, cost) performance through disciplined execution and proactive risk management.
* serve as the plant-side technical leader, translating product intent into robust manufacturing systems.
* collaborate cross-functionally to ensure predictable, repeatable product launches.
specific responsibilities
manufacturing readiness & launch execution
* execute structured manufacturing readiness activities across all phases of new product development with a focus on sqdc feasibility, design for manufacturing, prototyping, tooling and process development, and production ramp up.
* ensure tooling, equipment, processes, documentation, and teams are prepared for production.
* support pilot builds, production ramp-up, and early manufacturing stabilization.
process & technical leadership
* perform assignments requiring a high degree of technical competence.
* develop and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and equipment.
* identify and mitigate manufacturing risks impacting sqdc.
* support production approval activities prior to full-scale launch.
cross-functional collaboration
* partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations teams.
* communicate manufacturing readiness, risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders.
* participate in launch reviews and post-launch performance assessments.
continuous improvement & culture
* mentor engineers and technicians and share best practices.
* capture and apply lessons learned to improve future launches.
* promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and results.
* support plant operations in production problem solving.
skills & qualifications
required qualifications
* bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, industrial, materials, ceramic, manufacturing, or related discipline).
* 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, industrialization, or new product introduction.
* strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment readiness, and production start-up and associated problem-solving skills.
* ability to identify, assess, and mitigate manufacturing risks.
* proven ability to work independently with limited direction.
* strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
* ability to work onsite in a manufacturing environment.
* fluent in the english language.
preferred qualifications
* experience in vitreous, ceramics, or process-intensive manufacturing.
* background in process validation, pilot builds, and early production support.
* experience mentoring engineers or technicians.
* exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methods.
* experience supporting global or multi-site product launches.
why choose kohler?
we empower each associate to #becomemoreatkohler with a competitive total rewards package to support your health and wellbeing, access to career growth and development opportunities, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong culture of innovation. With more than 30,000 bold leaders across the globe, we’re driving meaningful change in our mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives.
about us
it is kohler’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified applicants 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.
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