Structural Designer II

About the Role

This position will assist a multidisciplinary team in the creation and development of all frame and structural requirements for new products, engineering prototypes, Request for Engineering Actions (REAs), product support projects, as well as the reengineering of existing products within the global residential division. The role drives product and process innovation and ensures structural integrity by utilizing advanced CAD modeling and structural design principles. Responsibilities span from concept through production, including documentation, material evaluation, and implementation into manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the identification and development of frame and structural requirements, establishing design direction based on merchandising guidelines when applicable.
• Create detailed drawings and CAD models for materials including wood, foam, panelboard, metal, and plastic components for new and re-engineered products, ensuring alignment with aesthetic, functional, and cost criteria.
• Assist with research and implementation of changes to existing products, ensuring all designs are tested, documented, and entered in appropriate databases.
• Assist with the creation of physical prototypes for review against design criteria and standards.
• Assist with the development and execution of test plans for new or existing materials, evaluating data to ensure compliance with industry and company standards, and recommend improvements when necessary.
• Assist with the creation of manufacturing documentation, including wood lists, prints, and BOMs, and lead the implementation of approved designs across manufacturing plants and supply centers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with business objectives.
• Maintain and update high-quality design, part, and manufacturing standards and documentation.
• Partner with the Test Lab to design and conduct tests and engineering studies to validate and refine designs, ensuring product quality and durability.
• Assist with the evaluation and selection of materials, balancing performance with cost-effectiveness to meet cost targets.

Scope & Impact

This role is pivotal within La-Z-Boy's Research and Development teams, assisting with the creation of prints and manufacturing specifications used across global manufacturing facilities and supply chains. The position directly impacts tooling and capital investment costs, as well as the speed and efficiency of new product implementations and engineering changes. Accuracy is critical, as errors could affect product quality, customer satisfaction, and La-Z-Boy's overall profit margin. The role also assists in troubleshooting and resolving internal and supplier quality issues to ensure consistent delivery on the brand promise.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with 0-2 years of work experience or equivalent.
• SolidWorks experience.
• Ability to interpret part prints.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Up to 10% travel required.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certification.
• Associate’s degree in engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Often sits, with repeated hand motion (such as typing and stapling), talking, standing, and balancing.
• Seldom bends, stoops, climbs stairs or ladders, kneels, squats, reaches overhead, or pulls and pushes.
• May be in proximity to moving parts, noise, fumes, odors, gases, oils, or poor ventilation.
• Primarily operates in a professional office environment using standard office equipment.

Benefits

Benefit offerings to employees and their families include:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Basic Life Insurance.
• 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%.
• Paid time off: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire, and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state-mandated sick time.

Weekly Hours: 40