After serving as an engineering officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Kauffmann commenced his nearly 40-year career in the petroleum industry.

Over the next three decades at Exxon, he progressed through roles spanning engineering, oil field supervisory positions, and assignments overseas.

His key positions included Producing Coordinator at International Petroleum Company Limited and executive roles at Exxon's South American and European affiliates.

Kauffmann sought to diversify Exxon's business interests into new areas like nuclear power, solar energy and batteries.

After retiring from Exxon, Kauffmann served on the Boards of Directors for several major corporations like Chase Manhattan Bank, United Technologies and Pfizer.