Product Development Engineer - Upholstery

General Purpose

Drive innovation in new product development and insourcing initiatives by collaborating with brand and design partners, as well as internal manufacturing teams, to engineer high-quality upholstered seating frames, foam, components, and upholstery solutions. Play a key role in bringing concepts to life through creative problem-solving, cross-functional teamwork, and manufacturing-focused design.

Essential Functions

• Design and create 3D models and drawings (Creo/Solidworks) with minimal direction
• Develop and manage new product designs from concept to mass production
• Build and validate prototypes with internal and external partners toward a timely product launch strategy
• Develop Bill of Materials (BOMs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing
• Design for highest level of craftsmanship and quality with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles
• Conduct product testing to ensure compliance with highest quality standards
• Design, engineer and evaluate material usage during development to optimize product costs
• Make modifications to existing CAD drawings to support manufacturing and purchasing maintenance
• Manage all 3D modeling and CAD activities within a project

Additional Essential Functions

• Performs Additional Responsibilities As Requested To Achieve Business Objectives

Skills and Abilities

• Experience designing and engineering plywood and solid wood upholstered chair frames and foam
• Bachelor’s degree in applied arts preferred or equivalent education and professional experience
• 5 years of professional engineering experience with leading development projects
• Hands-on experience with frame construction, foam up and upholstery preferred with mature sense of comfort and feel
• Proven design and problem-solving skills with a keen understanding of brand aesthetic
• Proven experience working with cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use office automation, communication, software and tools currently used in the HMI office environment with a basic understanding of the current CAD systems used within the functional area (Creo preferred)
• Exhibits high personal performance standards, the desire and ability to continuously learn and must be results oriented
• Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional presentation skills
• Exhibits ability to work cooperatively both in a team environment and independently
• Maintains a positive attitude in addressing concerns
• Assertive, self-starter with the self-confidence and ability to represent MillerKnoll in a professional manner to gain a high level of confidence from internal and external contacts
• Willing to take ownership efficiently working to drive tasks to completion
• Coordinates with suppliers and customers regarding technical specifications and product requirements

Who We Hire

We hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Geiger is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities. This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification. In general, MillerKnoll positions are closed within 45 days and are open for applications for a minimum of 5 days. We encourage our prospective candidates to submit their application(s) expediently so as not to miss out on our opportunities. We frequently post new opportunities and encourage prospective candidates to check back often for new postings. MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.