Job Opportunity: Design Project Leader – Fameccanica - West Chester, OH

Do you excel at turning machine concepts into manufacturable automation systems? Are you strong in technical execution design, build, testing, and delivery in fast-paced settings? Do you partner with cross-functional teams to improve reliability, cost, and assembly while ensuring quality and safety? If you answered yes, let’s talk!

The Design Project Leader is a hands‑on engineering role responsible for taking existing machine designs and turning them into reliable, manufacturable, and sellable automation solutions. This position combines strong mechanical design expertise with technical project leadership and ownership across the full execution lifecycle. The role includes up to 30% travel.

This is not an R&D or concept‑only role. The focus is on industrialization, execution, and continuous improvement of automation systems in a lean, fast‑moving environment.

What you’ll do:

• Own technical execution of automation projects from early design through build, test, and customer delivery
• Perform hands‑on mechanical design and refinement of automation and robotic systems
• Improve existing designs for manufacturability, reliability, cost, and assembly
• Lead technical coordination across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, suppliers, and customers
• Support quotation activities by providing technical input and feasibility insight
• Troubleshoot design and build issues, making sound engineering tradeoffs with quality as the top priority
• Evaluate and apply proven automation and robotics technologies to improve reliability, manufacturability and performance of existing machine designs
• Drive projects forward independently in a low‑structure environment, escalating only when appropriate
• Work directly with internal and external customers to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Robotics or Mechanical Engineering
• Proficiency in CAD and engineering design tools, with Solid Edge preferred
• Mechanical design for automation or special-purpose machinery
• Experience supporting, testing, qualification and commissioning activities a plus
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience with industrial automation systems and manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience owning designs through build, test and delivery in a manufacturing environment

About Fameccanica

Fameccanica North America designs and builds advanced industrial automation solutions that help manufacturers improve production efficiency, quality, and reliability. Our team combines deep engineering expertise with a hands-on, execution-focused mindset to deliver innovative solutions for global customers.

Apply online today!

#HP

The Role

Reporting to the Packaging Manager the Engineering Technician will provide technical support and expertise in the field of automation and robotics. You will play a crucial part in ensuring the smooth operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of our automated systems and robotic equipment. You will communicate effectively with the Kao controls department, and external contractors to both reactively and proactively resolve operational issues. You will contribute to Kao's continuous improvement projects while implementing comprehensive preventative maintenance programs to optimize reliability and longevity of the manufacturing equipment and systems.

At Kao, we offer amazing benefits that are available to you on your first day of employment (healthcare, 401(k) plus company match), 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick) and a reasonable salary range of $30/hr. - $38/hr.

What you will do:

• Provide technical support and assistance in the installation, setup, calibration, and maintenance of automated systems and robotic equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers and other team members to design and develop automation solutions for different projects, and using DX, IoT, AI, etc. to improve reporting processes.
• Communicate with operators, controls, and OEM vendors to perform troubleshooting and diagnostics to identify and resolve technical problems, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum operational efficiency.
• Support the procurement and sourcing of automation and robotic equipment, ensuring compliance with quality standards and specifications.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including manuals, procedures, and reports related to automation and robotic systems.
• Provide training and guidance to operators and maintenance staff on the safe and efficient operation of automated systems and robotic equipment.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for all equipment and systems, including production machinery, facilities, and utilities. While also creating and maintaining a preventive maintenance schedule, ensuring that all maintenance activities are carried out on time, and following established procedures.

What you will do:

• Associate Degree in engineering or engineering technology required.
• Mechatronics/Industrial Maintenance Certification preferred.
• Robotic certifications preferred.
• 5 years' experience with operation and maintenance of packaging line equipment or equivalent electrical/mechanical experience.
• 2+ years' experience in robotics, controls, and automation systems. Including the troubleshooting, developing, and maintaining of such systems.
• 3+ years of experience in preventative maintenance programs, including the development, training, delivery of the system.
• Must have demonstrated advanced electrical and/or mechanical troubleshooting skills for non-routine issues.
• Proficient understanding of pneumatics, hydraulics, bearings, seals, lubrication, and PLC basics.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching capability.
• Must be proficient with using a computer.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. on an infrequent, non-repetitive basis as required.
• Ability to climb, bend, and crouch.
• Good teamwork skills,, strict adherence to all procedures and embrace Safety and Quality.
• Ability to flex working schedule to rollout training, projects, or other requirements. This may include working any of the three defined shifts.

How we work: Having been selected among the World's Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with great compensation packages, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit our Americas website (https://www.kao.com/americas/en/).

EOE, including disability/vets

#LI-Onsite

Job Summary

This is a hands-on, activity-driven role ideal for someone who is eager to learn, contribute, and grow within a dynamic team responsible for driving sales of all Phoenix Contact products by combining engineering knowledge with strong interpersonal and business skills. The Strategic Account Manager (SAM) plays a key role on the regional sales team by providing leadership and direction in the establishment, development, and growth of assigned Regional Strategic Accounts. This position will carry out responsibilities in all of the following functions and areas: creating strategic plans, communicating direction, implementing corporate business reviews, creating corporate road-maps, expanding relationships (Maintain and develop relationships at all levels of Management, Procurement, Operations, and Quality Assurance, Engineering, Sales, and Estimating/quotations departments), analysis and recommendations, corporate price negotiations, and leading cross-functional teams.

The territory for this role is Ohio, Kentucky & parts of Tennessee. 

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed sales quotas as established by the RSM and/or Vice President—Field Sales.
• Be proficient in BASE selling skills and implement to build strong customer relationships.
• Lead the charge in development of a strategic plan and implementation of strategic initiatives for regional strategic accounts. The focus includes increasing account share, revenue growth, profitability, building and expanding relationships with major stakeholders, increasing product mix, and expanding the Phoenix Contact brand.
• Develop strategic roadmaps for strategic assigned accounts providing direction and insight on revenue generating locations.
• Develop intimate insight into the customer culture, needs, and supply chain, including key metrics leading to the recommendation of plans, initiatives, and/or corrective actions to provide the highest level of service to the customer’s organization.
• Lead and coordinate established business reviews with the assigned strategic accounts, including monitoring of competitive activity, leading to recommendations to the Phoenix Contact team on areas of improvement.
• Organize and lead cross functional teams with the appropriate members of Phoenix Contact for the purpose of building and maintaining trusting relationships between Phoenix Contact and assigned strategic accounts.
• Support the preparation of proposals, presentations, and sales materials.
• Maintain and update CRM systems with accurate client information. Fully utilize the CRM as a communication, reporting, measurement, and tracking tool to enhance productivity.
• Collaborate with the entire Phoenix Contact team to align efforts, effectively communicate both verbally and written.
• Track and report on business development activities and performance metrics.
• Differentiate Phoenix Contact from other component vendors by building “partner” relationships with customers.
• Be proficient in and drive the use of all sales tools provided to support local markets.
• Work closely with Harrisburg Product teams to aid in the development of field presentations and application notes.
• Proactively utilize all resources and sales tools to maximize productivity, responsiveness, and customer delight.
• Continue personal development through an effective skill-building program as determined by the RSM, Director of Sales, and/or the Harrisburg Training Department.
• Demonstrate technical competence on all products/solutions within the area of focus.
• Provide forecasts and reports to RSM as required.
• Deliver presentations and hands-on demonstrations of Phoenix Contact products, applications, and technology for the purpose of product sales.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge on all Phoenix Contact products/solutions.
• Qualify and follow up on all opportunities within the assigned strategic accounts.
• Follow up on all quotations within the assigned strategic account portfolio.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in technical discipline preferred and/or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years minimum sales experience in the electronics or industrial automation & controls marketplace.
• Experience working with distribution preferred.
• Excellent networking, and influencing skills needed to communicate at all levels.
• Exhibits high-level interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Successful history in achieving strategic and sales targets.
• Self-motivated with the ability to learn and adapt quickly.

Essential Job Functions

• Must be able to travel via airplane.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel via automobile for up to six hours at a time.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Must be able to travel overnight 20-25% as dictated by assigned territory.
• Comply with company dress code guidelines.
• Punctuality is required.
• Regular and on-time attendance.

Perks & Benefits

Phoenix Contact offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k matching, bonus plan and a generous time off package. There are also a wide variety of additional benefits available including 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave & 10 weeks fully paid paternity leave, auto allowance, life insurance, short & long-term disability, assistance, and more!

Base salary: $112,000 - $152,000. Compensation information is made available in good faith. Phoenix Contact USA reserves the right to adjust ranges based on candidate’s experience, location and internal & external equity.  Additional compensation includes bonus plan and auto allowance. 

The Role:

Reporting to the Supply Chain Regional Sr Director, The Associate Director of Demand and Supply Planning leads the development of integrated strategies that maximize fill rates, optimize inventory, and drive supply chain efficiency. By fostering cross-functional alignment and championing continuous improvement, you will ensure seamless integration between commercial forecasts, operational capabilities, and strategic goals. Acting as a key connector across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations teams, the Associate Director enables a responsive, agile, and cost-effective supply chain that meets evolving market demands.

At Kao, we offer amazing benefits that are available to you on your first day of employment (healthcare, 401(k) plus company match), 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick) and a reasonable salary range of $150,000 - $180,000.

What you will do:

• Demand Planning LeadershipOversee the demand planning process to ensure the development of data-driven forecasts across all sectors.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and Finance to resolve Gaps between Consensus Forecast and Budget/LE, targeting "one number".
• Drive continuous improvement in forecast accuracy (MAPE/BIAS/Outlier) through analytics, PDCA, and process refinement.

• Supply Planning and Inventory Optimization.
  • Oversee the supply planning process to ensure optimal inventory levels, maximizing service levels, minimizing slow moving/obsolete, and driving cost efficiency across the network.
  • Drive efficient scheduling processes for In-house manufacturing, balancing capacity and efficiencies against supply planning objectives.
  • Ensure contingency planning and risk mitigation strategies are developed and implemented.
  • Initiate and support TCR activities to improve Total Supply Chain Costs.
  • Partner with Procurement, Quality, Logistics and other SCM cross teams to give supply chain excellence and support business objectives.
  • Collaborate with Affiliates to ensure pan-regional and broader objectives are met on service and inventory.
• Data & Systems Development.
  • Champion the use of both advanced tools as well as simple quick win-visualization options to drive efficiencies and enhance responsiveness.
  • Ensure data integrity and support scenario planning for strategic initiatives.
  • Team Leadership & Development.Manage and mentor the Demand & Supply Planning team, fostering a climate of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Build team capabilities through coaching, training, and performance management.
  • Promote collaboration across broader SCM teams to drive operational excellence.
  • Stakeholder Communication and Support.Communicate risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies proactively across key business partners.
  • Support cross teams within and beyond supply chain and influence decisions that drive the business.

What you will need:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Data Analytics or related field (Master's Preferred).
• 8+ years progressive experience in supply chain, demand planning, or operations management.
• 5+ years in leadership or managerial roles (within Consumer Goods Industry preferred).
• Proven experience with S&OP/IBP processes, forecasting, and inventory optimization
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with great compensation packages, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward thinking and new ideas.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit our Americas website (https://www.kao.com/americas/en/).

Kao USA is an equal opportunity employer, including disability/vets.

#LI-Hybrid

Job Purpose

The Technical Program Manager owns the planning and coordination of hardware programs focused on our additive technology and other traditionally manufactured power generation components. This role helps bridge the gap between engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and operations—ensuring our beta-stage designs make a successful leap to production.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the end-to-end program execution for mechanical components, from prototype validation to initial production ramp.
• Partner with mechanical design engineers and manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are manufacturable and scalable.
• Develop and maintain detailed project timelines, tracking milestones, budgets, and risk mitigation plans.
• Lead cross-functional meetings to align engineering, operations, procurement, quality assurance and external vendors around shared goals.
• Coordinate testing and validation of parts, including mechanical, thermal, and durability testing in real-world power generation applications.
• Assist in supplier sourcing, DFM (Design for Manufacturability) reviews, and process validation with AM (Additive Manufacturing) partners.  Track any ECRs resulting from modifications needed from design issues, testing, DFM or DFMEA activities.
• Report regularly to leadership on program status, blockers, and key decision points.

Project Coordination & Support:

• Deep dive into the Mechanical hardware program blocks .
• Track project milestones, tasks, and deadlines, proactively identifying, flagging potential delays or risks, and actively problem solve to mitigate the risk in the delays.
• Schedule and coordinate project meetings, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and tracking action items.
• Support the preparation of project status reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Documentation & Information Management:

• Maintain and organize all project-related documentation, including technical specifications, engineering change management, design documents, test reports, and manufacturing procedures.
• Ensure documentation is up-to-date, accessible, and compliant with company standards.
• Assist in the development and implementation of document control processes.

Other duties as assigned may be assigned as required for this role.

Qualifications

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications include:

• Education, Experience and Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field) or a relevant technical discipline.
  •  2-5 years of experience in a project coordination, project engineering, or similar role within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, startup-like environment, ideally within industries such as aerospace, robotics, or other technically complex fields.
• Skills and Abilities
  • Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Proactive and eager to learn with a strong work ethic.

Role Classification and Working Conditions

This is a salaried, exempt-level position. This position typically works in an office environment; and given the nature of our business is also exposed to operations/warehouses/production environments.

Physical/Other Requirements

• Ability to travel, as needed, by plane, automobile, etc.

We are not accepting candidates who require sponsorship for this position at this time.