Sr. Engineer - Manufacturing & Tooling
Kohler Co.Work Mode: Onsite
Location: Onsite - Sheridan, AR
Opportunity
The Plastics Tooling Engineer oversees the end-to-end design, development, procurement, and validation of plastic injection molds and related manufacturing fixtures. This role acts as a critical technical bridge between product design, quality assurance, and manufacturing, ensuring all tools meet strict performance, budget, and aesth
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etic requirements. The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of polymer behavior with advanced mold-making engineering to optimize production efficiency and scale high-volume manufacturing.
Specific Responsibilities:
Tooling Design & Technical Oversight
• Lead tool design and development from early conceptual phases through final engineering validation.
• Conduct extensive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews to evaluate part feasibility and drive geometric changes that protect tool scalability.
• Analyze Moldflow simulations, part advisor outputs, and stress/fatigue data to optimize gating locations, cooling strategies, and ejection systems.
• Maintain digital assets by managing and updating CAD files, customer prints, water diagrams, and hot runner schematics.
Vendor Management & Project Execution
• Draft Request for Quotes (RFQs), evaluate supplier capabilities, and lead the technical assessment for mold-builder selection.
• Manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets and meet master timelines for internal and external tool builds.
• Perform regular audits and tracking of global or domestic tooling vendors regarding quality, delivery schedules, and construction standards.
Qualifications & Continuous Improvement
• Coordinate tooling trials (T1/T2), troubleshoot processing flaws, and establish parameters for the optimal molding environment.
• Review validation documents, and final First Article Inspection (FAI) or Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) reports to officially sign off on new production lines.
• Sustain production machinery by analyzing data patterns, establishing preventative maintenance protocols, and implementing continuous improvement measures.
Skills/Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a highly related engineering discipline with 3+ years of hands-on experience in plastic injection mold manufacturing, mold design, or tooling program tracking
• High proficiency in CAD modeling software (e.g. SolidWorks, Creo, NX) and CAM software
• Strong expertise in Moldflow simulation software and advanced DFM practices
• Deep understanding of hot/cold runner systems, tool steel selections, and various polymer behaviors
• Familiarity with Quality tools such as SPC, DOE, and Six Sigma techniques
• Ability to work comfortably in active manufacturing plant floors
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 $92,400 - $141,000. 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, a