Sr. Staff Engineer, Control Systems

Work Mode: Hybrid

Opportunity

As a Senior Staff Engineer your responsibilities will include designing, guiding, managing, and coordinating the implementation of industrial control systems and building management systems (BMS) for new and existing facilities. A primary focus of this role is contributing to Kohler’s Digital Transformation/Smart Factory initiatives. This involves collaborating closely with teams focused on the factory floor, making the connection to vital support infrastructure such as chillers, boilers, air compressors, and electrical distribution networks. Your tasks will encompass system design, oversight of installations, programming, diagnostics, troubleshooting, project management, and providing training on control and visualization systems for facilities and utility equipment. Additionally, you’ll support Production Maintenance and Plant Engineering when required, augmenting their capabilities. The ideal candidate for this position is highly collaborative, possesses a deep technical and operational understanding, and is dedicated to introducing effective digital tools across the business.

These functions are on a global scale and international travel to remote locations in developing countries could be required (domestic and international travel could be up to 15%). On-site presence is strongly preferred; however, a hybrid remote/on-site work model will be considered for the ideal candidate. On-site presence is expected per project and other administrative requirements.

Specific Responsibilities

•Develop detailed project plans, securing buy-in from stakeholders and effectively communicating complex technical information in an executive-friendly format.
•Design, program, and troubleshoot industrial control systems, including PLCs, robotics, servo controls, vision systems, HMIs, and AC/DC drives.
•Lead project execution, covering estimation, justification, budget management, scheduling, design, implementation, installation, start-up, troubleshooting, and documentation, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
•Ensure designs and specifications meet Kohler standards and lead communications with vendors and contractors for solution implementation, focusing on safety and risk mitigation in project planning.
•Assist in the start-up and operation of new equipment and facilities, including SOPs and safety documents.
•Collaborate with internal teams to translate problems into technical solutions.
•Provide technical support for the development and maintenance of the Kohler, WI campus utilities Distributed Control System (DCS)
•Provide support to production engineering teams, including occasional emergency and off-hour technical support.

Skills/Requirements

•A BS degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution and 6+ years of experience in factory automation and/or industrial controls. Degree and experience requirements may be altered for the ideal candidate at the sole discretion of the hiring manager.
•Exceptional written and oral communication skills are essential, with an ability to distill complex technical information into clear, understandable formats for decision-makers.
•In-depth knowledge of industry standards related to system safety and design. Specialized safety certifications highly desired (e.g., SAF-TÜV).
•Experience with Rockwell Automation controls platforms, Fanuc robots, BMS, HVAC controls, and the Ignition platform by Inductive Automation.
•Competency in Microsoft Office, with SAP and AutoCAD Electrical as a plus.
•Experience with higher-level programming languages (C#, C++, Java, Python, Visual Basic) is beneficial.
•Must be able to perform physical activities such as climbing ladders and light lifting.
•A Professional Engineering license is preferred.

The salary range for this position is $113,000 - $143,950. 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 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.