Staff Engineer-Design Lead

Why Work at Rehlko

We have met today's energy needs while planning for tomorrow's for over 100 years. Beginning with the first modern generator, the Rehlko Automatic Power & Light, launched in 1920, Rehlko has been an innovative leader in energy resilience. 

Our product range includes engines, generators, power conversion, UPS systems, EV components and electrification solutions, microgrid controls and management, clean energy solutions, and much more that serve a broad spectrum of OEM, residential, industrial, and commercial customers.

Our priorities are global: the stability from steady energy sources and reliable back-ups. The power to be able to harness energy, and the freedom of not being dependent on an aging centralized grid. The confidence that clean energy solutions offer when it comes to a sustainable world, and the commitment to keep innovating towards greater impact.

At Rehlko, our team members are the essential energy that powers our organization’s success. We are committed to fostering a safe and sustainable work environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. We empower every team member to actively participate in our Zero Is Possible safety culture by encouraging open communication, proactively reporting hazards, following protocols, and suggesting improvements. Join us in creating an energy resilient world for a better future!

Why You Will Love this Job:

The Staff Engineer – Switchgear Design Team Lead is responsible for leading a team of project engineers and designers focused on the design, development, and execution of paralleling switchgear projects. This role combines advanced technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring that projects are designed in accordance with customer requirements, industry standards, and company standards.

The Staff Engineer – Switchgear Design Team Lead position requires overseeing paralleling switchgear projects, from order through shipment, while coaching and developing team members. The Team Lead ensures designs are accurate, cost-effective, and delivered on schedule, while also driving process improvements, fostering innovation, and serving as the technical and organizational point of contact across engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams

• Work Mode: Hybrid 2-3 a week in office

• Location: 200 Twin Oaks Road Kohler WI 50344

• Travel: 10% travel US only

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring new or transfer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a team of project engineers and designers, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Manage resource allocation to balance workloads and meet project deadlines.

Project & Design Management

• Oversee design of paralleling switchgear systems, ensuring compliance with customer specifications, UL/ANSI standards, and internal design practices.

• Review and approve schematics, drawings, bills of materials, and sequences of operation.

• Coordinate development of submittal packages and participate in customer meetings to review project requirements.

• Ensure accurate task estimation, scheduling, and timely release of project deliverables.

Technical Expertise & Support

• Provide technical direction on protective relays, load sharing, synchronization, and utility intertie requirements.

• Support manufacturing, production, and field service teams with troubleshooting and issue resolution.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities for design or field issues.

• Maintain awareness of industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies to guide engineering improvements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• May serve as the engineering interface with Switchgear Sales and Operations teams.

• Collaborate with purchasing, vendors, and external partners on technical specifications and component selection.

• May represent engineering in customer discussions, technical reviews, and factory acceptance testing.

Process & Quality Improvement

• Drive implementation of automation, design tools, and productivity enhancements in the design process.

• Create and ensure adherence to ISO procedures and internal design guides, updating documentation as needed.

• Monitor and report on project performance metrics (cost,