Sr. Staff Engineer, Control Systems

Work Mode:Hybrid

Location:Hybrid - Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Responsible for providing core operational technology (OT) connectivity within Kohler plants, the role forms the starting point of Kohler's digital transformation journey. The candidate will be technically capable in electrical control systems, SCADA system, PLC configuration & programming, and communication protocols & equipment networking.

Providing a leading role in the strategy, implementation, standardization, documentation and engineering of best practices regarding equipment control system technology, the candidate will work both on site and remotely with our internal operations customers to ensure robust smart factory technology implementation can be realized.

The requirement for direct interaction with our internal customers will require a candidate with excellent interpersonal skills so that valuable long term relationships can be built.

The role forms an additional key capability within the current Digital Transformation & Automation team and will increase the service capability that can be provided to the business.

• Build and provide thought leadership on the global strategies for OT connectivity, interacting with key stakeholders within the business and building alignment for processes and technologies that can support smart factory implementations.
  
• Develop standards and processes so that the use of external system integration partners, for plants wishing to expand quickly or with little current internal capability, can be achieved consistently and successfully across the business.
  
• Direct engagements with the customer to provide the best OT connectivity solution based on people, safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
  
• Participate in engineering reviews and support our customers through sharing of technical knowledge, system design, capital/financial planning, and current state readiness reporting.
  
• Collaboration with engineering teams, automation vendors, and purchasing teams to ensure that all new equipment has the required connectivity in place.
  
• Work with plant level electrical/controls engineers and assist with their internal capability development so that, in the long term, the plants are able to support themselves.
  
• Work with plant level users of digital applications, Power Apps, and data analytics reports to develop corrective action plans. Bring lean and continuous improvement skills and tools to use.
  
• Attend training to develop relevant self-knowledge and technical skills.
  
• Project management skills and experience in communicating to multiple levels within the business organization.
  
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and usage in the industry to build future competitive advantage for Kohler's OT connectivity.
• Direct collaboration with the smart factory software developers, internal and external.
  
• Onsite and offsite design, programming, hardware installation and wiring, commissioning, and testing of OT capability.
  
• 30% travel is required with this position.

Skills/Requirements

• B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or similar required.
  
• Previous project experience regarding Digital Factory/Smart Factory/Industry 4.0 processes is required.
  
• Ignition SCADA, by Inductive Automation, architecture knowlebase, configuration, and programming is required.
  
• Kepserver configuration is required.
  
• PLC configuration and programming of Allen Bradley Control/CompactLogix and/or Siemens S7 highly desirable.
  
• Plant equipment networking experience highly desirable.
  
• Minimum 8 years experience related to electrical control design, automation, and smart factory initiatives required.
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Power Platform is preferred.
  
• Previous experience with lean concepts and continuous improvement is preferred.
  
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to function within a project team environment.

CUSTOM.PAY.TRANSPARENCY

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.