Kohler Senior Staff Engineer - Controls Systems - Wisconsin

Seeking candidate with BSEE or MSEE or related degree and electrical power, generator, engines and control product design experience - switchgear, PLC's, etc. Rapid prototyping tools, simulating, and electronic test equipment experience.

As a Senior Staff Engineer – Controls Systems, this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. The Senior Staff Engineer provides support and direction for design engineering of embedded controls and electronics used in power generation systems. System design includes specifying, modeling, simulating, prototyping, and implementing products and solutions. Applicable products can include alternators, engines, controllers, breakers, transfer switches, switchgear, and remote monitoring. Additional duties include being a technical expert for solving customer, production, and supplier problems. As a Senior Staff Engineer, you will provide strategic leadership in a technical area for product development.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

This position is an engineering position with responsibilities in design, problem solving, and critical decisions. The senior staff engineer will assume responsibility of all engineering project work assigned and coordinate with others to accomplish sub-tasks. There will be multiple projects, changing priorities, and ambiguous situations. This position requires self-initiative and independent decision making. Innovation is a key part of system design with upfront ideation and patent possibilities.

Systems engineering requires a strong technical competence in the following areas and tools;

• Embedded controls system and theory for industrial equipment, in particular engine control, real time control, AC synchronous machines, generator and power systems
• Alternator operation and control, including voltage regulation, excitation control, parallel operation of generators, alternator fault mitigation
• Utility power integration including, automatic transfer switches, generator operation in parallel with utility, power distribution theory, load management, generator management
• Electro-mechanical devices, including circuit breakers, contactors, relays
• Electrical transducers and measurement devices including; potential transformers, current transformers, temperature sensors, pressures sensors, switches, etc
• Internal combustion engine control and operation, throttle control, fuel injection control
• Electrical and electronics design theory
• Modeling and simulation tools; MatLab, Simulink, StateFlow, PSPICE, OrCad
• Rapid prototyping tools; Labview, cRIO, PLC’s
• Network communications; CAN (J1939), MODBUS-RTU
• Microsoft Office PC tool, skills and experience; Outlook, Excel, Access, Word

As a Senior Staff Engineer, you are required to continuously develop your expertise in controls system engineering. Participation in industry groups, reviewing news literature, keeping abreast of technology exploration, and self-learning are expected activities. This expertise is required to provide design recommendations based on complex data analysis, industry trends, and best practices. Recommendations need to include risk analysis, business impact, and strategic importance and simulation results.

The Senior Staff Engineer will be included in discussions of new product development opportunities in relation to business objectives. The Engineer will be expected to identify innovative solutions or opportunities, based on experience and knowledge of the industry. You are expected to review proposed solutions and concepts with patent attorneys for clearance of potential infringements and to determine opportunities for new patent applications. The Senior Staff Engineer will support creation of project development projections that include estimates for product costs, development expenses, resource requirements, timing and technical risks.

The Engineer, in the system design role, helps translate the market requirements into controls architecture for product designers. The architecture may have software, hardware, simulation, production, and process design requirements. The systems engineer will provide the system level architecture requirements and detailed descriptions of functionality for successful, final product design.

The systems engineer will be expected to lead best practices, coordinate technical projects, demonstrate team work, communicate effectively to a diverse audience, and mentor less experienced engineers. By providing documents for high level specifications and sequences of operation, the senior engineer will convey direction to development engineers, the evaluation team, and authors of technical publications.
Established processes and procedures are to be followed or improved upon.

The Senior Staff Engineer will provide direction and specifications for state of the art tools to be used throughout the controls engineering department. As an experienced user, the Senior Staff Engineer will understand the requirements for such tools and the methods they may be utilized. Procurement of hardware and software tools, based on research and comparisons will be included. As well, you will be responsible for training of potential users.

Less than 10% travel is expected, but movement throughout the facility is likely on a daily basis. Prototyping and simulation will require working on a variety of products in the lab and production environments using a multitude of tools and equipment.

RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTACTS

Supervisory Relationships:

Reports to “System Engineering” team leader

Supervisory responsibility

• Has no direct reports
• May lead project teams or other engineers to complete technical tasks
• Will mentor less experienced engineers, contractors, or co-ops

Organization Relationships:

• The Systems Team is within the Controls and Electronics Department. This department is under the VP of Engineering for Kohler Power Systems located at Mosel, WI.

External Business Relationships:

• External business relationships can include; suppliers, educational institutions, distributors, engineering societies, and other division of Kohler Co using electronic controls.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering (electronics, software, control systems, power, or related) with ten years experience OR Masters Degree in electrical engineering sciences and five years experience
• Demonstrated 10 or more years experience with electrical power and control product design
• Two or more years experience with Matlab/Simulink (modeling, simulating, analysis)
• Demonstrated skill and experience in rapid prototyping tools (Labview, cRio, PLC’s)
• Skills with a variety of electronic test equipment and tools including; power supplies, oscilloscopes, multi-meters, signal generators, data analyzers, and soldering equipment
• Three or more years experience with generators

Apply online here: 
Senior Staff Engineer - Controls Systems
Contact:
kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Getting Responses through LinkedIn Connections and Inmails (for Recruiters)

I recently read this article at ERE about getting results with InMails. I've been "locked" out of sending connections requests, I'm familiar with the LION open networkers and other lists to help build connections, and fortunately have had access to a LinkedIn recruiter account. I'm not necessarily a leading member of the club, but I've ridden my share of roller coasters and have been a season pass holder. Like the amusement park reference here? I'm channeling summer or vacation probably, haha.
For a new recruiter or sourcer starting with LinkedIn Being AIRS trained, I started with a focus on free sourcing. This means I either find a way to contact you outside of LinkedIn or try to connect on the professional network. To connect on LinkedIn, you must submit this form:

Just as with an InMail, I agree that the message should be compelling, personable, to the point, and somewhat open ended. Communication is an art. Just like a cold call, you want to be enticing without overwhelming. "How do you know (candidate)?" Here you'll want to select "We've done business together" and choose your current company. As a recruiter in RPO, it is sometimes personal or client preference to list the client name - so you would have to add that you are employed by that company to your profile. However, I've been able to convey my personal and profession brand by just listing my RPO on my profile and making sure to describe the client in my invite. There are no subject lines in connection requests like there are in InMails. So, your name header, your company, and the content of your message is what you're selling. I feel like the sales in recruiting is not a product or a service but an experience. We want our candidates to have a gracious experience. Get to the point!
Why: I came across your profile. You were referred by..Would you or someone you know be a fit?
What: (Company) has an opening for (job) that I felt really aligned with your experience.
Boomerang: I can provide more detail. Are you keeping your options open?
Contact: I'm available to discuss by email or phone. Name.
I like to leave some of the formatting LinkedIn provides for you, such as "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn." Because it's true! And it is familiar. This is, if the character limit allows - you chronic long winded tweeters feel me here. Soon, it's easy to have a template to pull quickly, adjust, and send. LinkedIn is not joking about only inviting people you know well and who know you, though. If you have too many "I don't know's" you can get a warning and potentially a block from sending further requests. You'll then have to contact LinkedIn to get this removed. Also, if you send too many requests, you may run out and have to asked for additional invitations. So, make an attempt to determine this candidate's contact information elsewhere - email, phone, other social networks. Sending a connect request as a first contact is more of a last resort at this stage of the game. Get more connections by sending the request after you talked with the candidate.

Sending Inmails also has a character limit but offers more options:

And this time you can save your template in Linked instead of copying it from elsewhere. I choose Career Opportunity for category and Hi <First Name> for Salutation. I've used company, job title, industry and a combination of all of these. Although you want to provide anonymity to encourage the candidate to read-on, my logic is that one is interested the job and the company name and so why not provide that first. Include a tidbit about company culture, a note about their profile/experience that makes them a match, or another comment to draw them in. Without giving all the details, present a message that you are proud of that will represent you, the client, and asks the candidate for a response whether it be for interest, referral, or general follow-up. Don't forget your contact information. I provide both an email and phone number. If the user accepts your invite, you may have their email to provide more detail, and you could also ask for a general connection request at this point. You can also continue to try to reach them through another media. I have a fluctuating response rate currently at 20%. I'll take it. That's 20% activity I wouldn't have otherwise.

In summary:
Explain, represent, ask.
Describe the reason for contact, but be simple. Respect the message your sending, your client, your candidate, yourself. Ask for the response!

I would advise to NOT use a list or service that helps you get a lot of connections fast. When others in the office were doing this, I just kept thinking that it sounded about as appealing as getting cash fast at the local check into cash joint. But, you want to build credibility and have an attractive profile to candidates, coworkers, and other connections, right? Complete your profile. Putting a full resume is personal preference, but try listing more than just a generic description of your company or job duties. As for recommendations. If you're just getting started in the professional arena - ask new/old coworkers, professors/teachers, classmates, volunteer work contacts, internship/co-op networks. Don't forget to return the favor! Link-up on LinkedIn. Creating a professional brand can be a whole other blog post, but think about your handle/usernames/vanity URL early, connect your social and professional networks, and be consistent with similar photos, templates, content. A brand should be recognizable and so should you.

Building your network on LinkedIn should be like getting a degree or diploma. You can get the goal (piece of paper or 500+ connections), but did you get the experience/education?

The content and ideas of this blog post are my own and does not represent those of ADP.

Sr. Systems Project Leader at Kohler - Wisconsin

Seeking candidate with Bachelor's degree, 7+ years experience in Information Technology with 5+ years in Project Leadership. People management a MUST. Prefer MS Sharepoint, upgrades/implementations, vendor specification, systems documentation, test plans, ITIL a plus.

As a Systems Project Leader, this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. The primary purpose of this position will be to act as a “technology advocate”, working with Directors and other Business Leaders across the Kohler organization regarding the technology and infrastructure projects relating to the company’s overall strategic initiatives. This could include implementations, upgrades, etc. The identified candidate will be expected to define the end goals and the project plans, potentially for more than one significant project at a time. This role will require strong project management and communication skills to ensure a success from conception to completion.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

• Provide spirited positive leadership of systems projects. Challenge obsolete practices, question accepted truths, and eliminate non-value-added processes. Develop practical systems scope that enhances the business function. Control the project scope, resources, and quality within budget and schedule to meet objectives.
• Provide analysis, counsel, and direction to management and personnel of operating units to analyze problems and develop solutions, as well as assure efficient operation of existing systems. Maintain an understanding of business processes and the implications of computer systems on these processes.
• Direct, schedule, coordinate, and evaluate the efforts of information systems, user and vendor personnel assigned to a specific systems project.
• Provide inputs for project review meetings and management presentations including general design review, project scheduling, test plan, system and program tactics and methods, system controls, procedures, documentation, and system implementation plan.
• Prepare and publish systems project status reports. Comply with systems development standards, procedures, guidelines, priorities, and schedules.
• Develop and monitor policies, procedures, and standards documents.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining service level agreements with customers.
• Establish and review capacity, utilization and other performance measures.
• Provide process consulting in systems and program products.
• Works with user management and user project leader to determine system objectives and solutions.
• Provide updates to Change Management team.
• Act as a mentor to all levels of Systems Analysts.
• Direct, schedule, motivate and coordinate the activities of IT staff, users and vendor personnel.
• Participate in educational programs and professional societies involving supervisory skills, computing technology and systems methodologies.
• Conduct educational programs involving company personnel relating to computing technology and specific projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Business or related field required. Under some circumstances Associate Degree in Information Technology and minimum 5 years of experience will be accepted.
• 5+ years of IT experience with at least 2 years being in IT Project Leadership. Experience with MS Office Upgrades or Implementations along with the associated change management strongly desired.
• Experience working in MS SharePoint and proficiency with other MS tools such as Exchange, Lync, and related technologies.
• Strong understanding of and adherence to formalized Project Management methodologies. Ability to lead projects and foster effective relationships and facilitate communications within assigned teams.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to convey project scope changes with other team members and provide feedback regarding progress and efficiency on a regular basis. Ability to interact and lead cross-functionally and to external vendors without direct authority.
• Exhibits a solid knowledge of business processes for assigned functional team and a strong willingness to expand this knowledge.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

SKILL PREFERENCES – HOW YOU CAN STAND OUT

• ITIL Foundations certification is required of all Infrastructure personnel (Kohler Company will provide necessary training and testing for new employees without this).
• Multilingual abilities are a plus.

Apply online here: Sr. Systems Project Leader:
Contact: Kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com

Kohler Sales Executive - Hartford, Connecticut

Seeking local candidate with sales experience outside of the industry - such as copier sales, office supplies, medical sales, pharmaceutical sales. 3-10 years experience, Bachelor's degree required.


As a Sales Executive this is your unique opportunity to set your mark and live on the leading edge. This position is responsible for the profitable sales growth of Kohler Co. plumbing products and brands through service/replacement work, new residential, remodeling, commercial construction, and hospitality This role will drive market share with service plumbers, builders, developers, and mechanical contractors by developing and executing sales strategies to achieve a commitment to Kohler. The Sales Executive also promotes and services Kohler Co. plumbing products to distributors, including their respective showrooms in accordance with established company goals, policies, and procedures.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
• Drives the positioning of Kohler as the preferred supplier to new residential, remodeling and commercial construction channels.
• Builds relationships with key builder targets and customers at all levels.
• Drive market share by developing Kohler & Sterling commitment in distributor.
• Drives the implementation of Kohler Co. programs and promotions.
• Maintains regular contact with distributors to introduce and promote the sale of Kohler Co. plumbing products in accordance with company goals, policies, and procedures.
• Provides guidance and reviews the activities of distributors, while providing training and assistance in resolving specific questions or problems related to selling efforts or technical issues.
• Analyzes market potentials, sales trends, competitors, economic conditions, and distributor performances within an assigned territory or account. Recommends changes in sales programs and customers to make the territory or account more effective in meeting sales volume quotas.
• Prepares an annual sales forecast for the assigned territory or account by projecting sales volume for the next year based on knowledge of market potentials, sales trends, competitors, economic conditions, and distributor performances. Reviews and discusses sales quotas with Business Manager.
• Attends and participates in Company sales meetings and trade or industry shows and conventions to increase knowledge of Kohler Co. plumbing products, to improve selling techniques, and to cultivate good working relationships with accounts and end users.
• Prepares various correspondences, reports, and forms related to daily activities, expenses, and claims.
• Manages pricing programs in territory or account, according to established company policies and procedures.

This territory will cover greater Hartford Connecticut, Western Massachusetts and Vermont.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Bachelor’s degree required. Preferably in Business Management or Marketing.
• Three (3) to five (5) years sales experience.
• Understanding of two-step distribution, pull-through selling, and the new residential, remodeling and commercial markets is preferred.
• Individual should possess excellent communication skills.



Click here to apply online: Sales Executive - Hartford, Connecticut
Contact: kimberly.hughes@rightthinginc.com