What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Program Manager, Transformative Innovation position at kohler?
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.