Product Engineer III, Upholstery

Position Summary

The Product Engineer III plays a key role in bringing innovative, high-performance furniture concepts to life. This role translates design intent into manufacturable, cost-efficient, and durable solutions by applying advanced engineering principles, cross-functional collaboration, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) expertise. The ideal candidate is a problem-solver with deep technical skill, strong design sensitivity, and experience driving projects from concept to production.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Lead the engineering of new product introductions (NPI) from concept through production readiness.
• Apply DFM/DFA and Value Engineering principles to balance aesthetic intent, performance, and cost.
• Create and maintain accurate 3D CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and specifications within PDM systems.
• Conduct structural analysis (FMEA), material selection, and validation testing for performance and reliability.
• Support prototype builds, assess manufacturability, and implement design refinements for scalability.
• Partner with Product Development, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to align on design feasibility, production standards, and tooling readiness.
• Collaborate with Quality and Customer Experience to embed learnings from field data into future designs.
• Support smooth handoff from development to production through pilot builds and issue resolution.
• Contribute to standardization of engineering documentation, construction methods, and DFM/DFA practices.
• Support digital tool adoption (e.g., simulation, PDM, 3D validation).
• Identify opportunities to compress development timelines and improve yield.
• Research and propose new materials, joinery and upholstery techniques, and mechanisms to improve performance and ease of assembly.
• Champion engineering excellence and knowledge sharing across product categories.
• Be a champion for AI-driven design and engineering tools.

Qualifications, Skills and Education

• Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in product or mechanical engineering.
• Proven record of bringing complex, modular products from concept through production.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks (or equivalent CAD) and PDM/PLM systems.
• Strong understanding of materials (metal, plastics, wood) and structural design.
• Demonstrated experience applying DFM/DFA, Lean, or VAVE methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with near-shore manufacturing (e.g., Mexico) or global supply chains.
• Background in furniture engineering or consumer goods.
• Furniture experience or consumer good experience.
• Knowledge of digital simulation, structural testing, and material validation methods.
• Familiarity with sustainability or certification standards (e.g., FSC, GREENGUARD).
• Passion for continuous improvement, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Our compensation philosophy is to be externally competitive, internally fair, and not win or lose on compensation. Salary ranges are developed with the support of national benchmarks and industry best practices that adjusts to your cost of labor, years of relevant experience, skill set, and education.
• Employee Discounts: We offer our employees discounts across all of our product lines.
• Hit our Numbers Lunch: When we hit our monthly milestones, we all celebrate!

About Us

It all started in a small warehouse in California with just three employees, a fax machine and a bell that rang out every time a chair came down the conveyor belt. 30 years later, Exemplis continues to lead, innovate and disrupt an array of industries through its growing family of brands — including SitOnIt Seating, Timbuk2, X-Chair, Maverick, Mavix, Edloe Finch, and Albany Park. From sustainable manufacturing to outreach programs and more, we strive to make a positive impact on everyone we serve. We make sure our people (and their communities) are at the core of our organization. To make a difference, we must be a champion of diversity, inclusion, service and social justice — above all else.