Engineering Technician III

Engineering Technician III

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite – Kohler, WI

Opportunity

Under the direction of the Sr. Staff Engineer NPI, develop new products following the Vitreous Development Management System (VDMS). Cast New product block molds, produce products for qualification testing, develop ware boards, bowl horseshoes, special props and punching gauges. Suggest alterations necessary to improve product manufacturability. Work as liaison between Model, Block and Case and Pottery Cast shop in introducing new and improving current manufacturing methods and yields.

Dry finish, transport, spray, fire and inspect new products for qualification testing. Develop procedures for finishing, dryer and transportation propping, spray setters, gauges, firing props, decks and special methods to improve product manufacturability. Work as liaison between Product development and the Pottery ware processing departments to introduce new products and improve current product manufacturing methods and product yields. Assist the Processing Departments as directed to resolve product problems.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBLILITIES

• Cast new product block molds, develop and document casting procedures for Pottery cast shops.
•  Suggest mold and casting procedure changes, work closely with Model, Block and Case on mold alterations to rapidly develop correct fitting molds
• Develop casting, finishing and hole punching methods/tooling and make method changes as required by product engineering or manufacturing.
• Maintain Excel data collection files of all products, casting method changes, mold alterations and special tool dimensions during the development stage to include a daily record of methods and alterations on each new product cast.
• Create JIC’s from mold preparation to Firing process using Microsoft Word.
• Dry finish all products produced by Product Development and develop dry finishing procedures necessary to produce good product.
• Transport new products to the dryer using current equipment wherever possible. Develop any special transportation props and drying times and methods required to produce good pieces.
• Inspect product after drying and record defects found by location. Review these defects and develop procedures to eliminate the problems.
• Transport products to the Spray department and help develop spray methods, setters, and gauges.
• Transport product to the Kiln Department and develop kiln placing locations, methods, firing props and setters as required. Development of drop-in lavatory firing rings is a major responsibility.
• Inspect fired products for problems and defects. Record all defects and critical dimensions in an Excel file/Excel concentration diagram, which are used to help reduce and eliminate product defects and cull.
• Develop and implement logo gauges for production use.
• Assist manufacturing in the process qualification (PQ) and process verification (PV) run stage of the new product introduction to ensure proper procedures and methods are followed, changing procedures as necessary to improve product quality.
• Assist manufacturing in the troubleshooting of manufacturing problems on both new and existing vitreous products
• Travel up to 20% to the satellite pottery when necessary to assist them with the introduction of new products at PQ/PV.

Skills/Requirements

• High School Graduate.
• Able to perform basis computer skills in Excel, Word, MS PowerPoint, etc.
• Proficient in using hand tools, drills, wrenches, etc.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• 3-6 years hands-on experience working in a manufacturing, construction or related field

Preferred:

• 3-6 years pottery experience based in casting, model, block, and case, ware spraying or kilns loading.

#LI-SC2
#LI-Onsite

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

We believe in supporting you from the moment you join us, which is why Kohler offers day 1 benefits. This means you’ll have access to your applicable benefit programs from your first day on the job, with no waiting period. The hourly range for this position is $27.50 - $41.20. The specific hourly rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including candidate's education and work location.

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.