Manager - Manufacturing Engineering

Work Mode: Onsite

Location: Onsite - Union, City TN 

Opportunity

Under direction of the Plant Manager, this role plans, oversees and directs department associates to improve manufacturing processes with a strong focus on equipment reliability, production costs and efficiency. Responsible for and supports manufacturing engineering with regard to manufacturing process improvement, design enhancements and technical direction. Duties are performed in a manner consistent with the achievement of plant safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics.

Specific Responsibilities

• Direct maintenance operations to ensure associate safety through strict adherence to safety rules and procedures. Support programs that continuously improve Union City’s safety performance, including Behavior‑Based Safety (BBS), and ensure associates receive effective training and communication on safe work practices.
• Develop, implement, and monitor manufacturing processes and procedures that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure reliable production while meeting or exceeding quality standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain preventive and predictive maintenance programs to ensure equipment operates safely and consistently. Lead root‑cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate repeat failures.
• Evaluate long‑term equipment performance data to identify assets requiring overhaul, rebuild, or replacement. Prepare capital justifications using lifecycle cost, risk, safety, and productivity criteria, and lead projects from scope development through commissioning to improve reliability and capacity.
• Develop a multi‑year facility capital roadmap—including roofing, HVAC, switchgear, and site infrastructure—and prepare investment cases that define scope, cost, benefits, and risk. Manage design, vendor coordination, and project execution to ensure safe, on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
• Oversee the reliability, safety, and performance of facility infrastructure systems—including HVAC, electrical distribution, compressed air, utilities, and building structures—to ensure uninterrupted support for manufacturing operations.
• Drive continuous improvement by recommending, supporting, and actively participating in Kaizen events to enhance manufacturing performance and efficiency.
• Drive standardized work implementation and adherence through audits and countermeasures to achieve and sustain production rates.
• Partner with or direct engineering to recommend and implement design enhancements and improvements to manufacturing processes.
• Ensure all cost centers operate within budget and implement corrective actions as needed to meet financial targets.
• Plan, direct, train, and implement maintenance standards to achieve labor efficiency goals and meet schedule adherence requirements.
• Maintain accurate project records and prepare required technical, cost, and progress reports to communicate status and results.
• Lead technicians in a manner that builds trust, drives continuous improvement, sets high performance expectations, and supports exceptional customer service.
  
  
  

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with a minimum of 10 years of manufacturing engineering experience, demonstrating progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
• Demonstrated proficiency in continuous improvement tools and lean manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in leadership positions which requires accomplishment of goals and objectives through subordinates and peers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, using data to assess risks, make decisions, and drive actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with automated assembly equipment/OEE and formal training in Six Sigma, lean tools, or project management would be beneficial.
  
  
  

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 salary range for this position is $132,350 - $205,850. 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. In addition, this position is eligible for a performance bonus/variable incentive compensation.

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.