Technical Program Manager, Transformative Innovation

Technical Program Manager, Transformative Innovation

Work Mode: Onsite

Location:  Kohler, WI - Onsite 4 days per week

Opportunity

We are seeking a highly skilled Technical Program Manager (TPM) with a strong mechanical engineering background to lead complex, cross-disciplinary projects. This role is central to managing the execution of leading-edge electromechanical systems and sub-systems — from early-stage R&D through to functional prototypes and design transfer. 

You will coordinate the work of multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, systems, firmware), aligning technical innovation with ambitious timelines, regulatory landscape, and evolving business needs. This is a high-impact role ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, understands the intricacies of advanced engineering, and can drive clarity and momentum in fast-moving development cycles. 

Key Responsibilities: 

 Project & Program Leadership

• Define and lead the execution of advanced mechanical and electromechanical development programs. 
• Drive early-phase project scoping, feasibility assessments, risk analysis, and technology down-selection. 
• Own integrated development schedules, aligning cross-functional efforts in hardware, firmware, systems, and testing. 
• Manage stage-gate processes, including design reviews, concept validation, and development builds. 
• Support IP generation, regulatory strategies, and compliance activities as part of early-stage development. 

Technical Execution Oversight 

•  Partner with engineering leads to ensure technical milestones (e.g. proof-of-concept, alpha/beta builds, verification/validation) are achieved. 
•  Coordinate system architecture reviews, DFM/DFA activities, material and process selection, and system integration.
• Guide the transition of products from concept development into design for manufacture and pilot production. 

Reporting & Communication 

• Communicate project status, technical risks, and mitigation plans to stakeholders across engineering, operations, and executive leadership. 

• Maintain technical documentation, change control, and revision tracking across complex systems development.
• Facilitate technical design reviews and post-project retrospectives to drive continuous improvement. 

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (e.g., Mechatronics, Systems Engineering) with minimum of 10+ years of experiencerequired. 
• 5+ years of engineering project management experience. 
• Deep understanding of complex mechanical systems, integrated hardware/software products, or electromechanical assemblies. 
• Experience with early-stage prototyping, iterative development, tolerance analysis, and V&V planning. 
• Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools (e.g, Creo, Windchill etc.) and technical documentation best practices. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage uncertainty, lead technical discussions, and influence outcomes across disciplines. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 3+ years in R&D or advanced development environments. 
  Agile/Scrum, or equivalent certification. 
• Hands-on background in product development for consumer goods, consumer electronics.  
• Prior experience in technology readiness assessments or technology maturation planning. 

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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.