Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Kohler is seeking a Staff Engineering Analyst, Manufacturing Automation to lead the design, analysis, and optimization of advanced automation across our manufacturing operations. In this role, you'll develop and standardize automated processes, improve system reliability, and drive data-based decisions to enhance safety, quality, and throughput. Partnering with cross-functional teams, you'll support new product introductions, implement continuous improvement and Lean initiatives, and guide equipment selection and integration. Join Kohler's culture of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability to grow your technical and leadership impact globally.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and optimize automated manufacturing systems and production lines.
• Develop standards, documentation, and best practices for automation and controls.
• Lead data-driven root cause analysis to improve yield, quality, and throughput.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new product and process introductions.
• Specify, evaluate, and support integration of automation equipment and robotics.
• Implement continuous improvement and Lean/Six Sigma initiatives in operations.
• Support commissioning, testing, and validation of new automated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive OEE and cost improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering and operations teams.

Required Skills

• Manufacturing automation design
• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Industrial controls and HMI/SCADARobotics and motion control
• Data analysis and OEE metrics
• Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Process optimization and DOETechnical documentation and standards
• Project management
• Safety and regulatory compliance