New Product Launch Technician II

La-Z-Boy Inc.; Dayton (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

La-Z-Boy Incorporated in the United States seeks a seasoned professional to lead new product and engineering program design, validation, and launch, ensuring design quality and DFMA alignment.

You will coordinate verification builds, train production teams, and drive data-driven design decisions to minimize post-launch changes and meet manufacturing standards.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• Fully trained in upholstery, framing, sub-upholstery, assembly, and packaging.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, upholstery notes, prints, and BOMs.
• Strong data analysis, report writing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Review new product/engineering program information sheet and provide kickoff questions.
• Review design iterations for DFMA best practices and participate in reviews.
• Coordinate verification parts delivery and ensure accuracy of design data.
• Lead new product/engineering program launch meetings with plant leadership.
• Train trainers and cell teams on production units and quality expectations.

Skills

Upholstery manufacturing

DFMA knowledge

DFM / DFA

Lean production

Effective communication

Education

Associate degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Quality Engineering

Tools

Solidworks

Visio

Microsoft Office

E1

Agile

Job description

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated.WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORTJob Summary:Manages the new product and engineering program launch and verification process with a focus on communicating the design’s quality and aesthetic expectations, verifying the accuracy of design information, reducing post-launch engineering changes by identifying issues upfront, and leading the initial training at the manufacturing facilities.Job Description:KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):New Product/Engineering Program Design Development:Review new product/engineering program information sheet and provide kick-off questionsReview design iterations for DFMA best practicesActively participates in new product and engineering management reviews, acting as the voice of upholstery manufacturingActively participates in DFM builds, FMEA, and project team program reviewsRecommend data-driven design modificationsNew Product/Engineering Program Validation:Coordinate the delivery of new program verification and engineering pilot build parts from the Innovation Center, internal plant locations, supply centers, and external suppliers to the planned build locationVerify the accuracy of design and engineering information such as upholstery notes, prints, and the Bill of MaterialsCheck all applicable wood, poly, fiber bags, and sewn sets against manufacturing requirementsWork with engineering to ensure new metal and plastic components and assemblies meet specificationsEnsure new program verification and engineering pilot units are scheduled and batched for the buildBuild all new program verification units, and participate in engineering pilot buildsSchedule manufacturing safety reviews with the plant EHS Team during the new program verification and engineering pilot buildsCapture, report, and problem solve issues during the new program verification, engineering pilot, and new program/engineering launch meetingsLead new product and engineering program review meeting with the manufacturing plant leadership teamCreation of applicable VSWIsNew Product/Engineering Program Launch:Train the trainers and cell team members on the first production units, explaining quality expectations to ensure they are understoodAssist in training as new products and engineering programs are introduced in additional cell locationsAssist safe launch with LPA & OOB AuditsSCOPE & IMPACT:This role is a key position that executes various deliverables in the new product and engineering program design, validation, and launch processes. Any misses in the new product or engineering program launch process could cause delays in production, have a signification negative impact on the company’s ability to deliver on our brand promise, and could have a significant negative impact on the company’s overall profit margin.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:High School diploma or GED with 2-4 years of relevant experience or equivalentMust be fully trained in upholstery, framing, sub-upholstery, assembly, and packaging process.Full knowledge and understanding of La-Z-Boy’s manufacturing standards and tolerances.5 years’ experience in upholstery cell operations or equivalent design time at R&D.Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, upholstery notes, prints, assembly instructions.Ability to write reports and correspondence, create presentations, and speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw a valid conclusion from the given premises.Operational knowledge of essential computer programs including Microsoft Office (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook), E1, and Agile.Ability to travel up to 25%, sometimes with little advanced notice.PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:Associate degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Quality EngineeringKnowledge of FMEA, DFM, DFA, and lean productionExperience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and product quality auditingExperience in cost reduction initiatives in a design/manufacturing environmentExperience with Solidworks or similar CAD softwareExperience with Visio softwareExperience in the creation of VSWIs or other visual work instructions.Proficiency in Spanish LanguageSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: NonePHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:Operates in a manufacturing environment which is subject to noise, vibration, hazardous parts/vehicles, fumes/odors and dust. Often required to hear/listen, talk, stand, walk, climb stairs, climb ladders, balance, lift 50 lbs., bend, stoop, kneel/squat, crouch, crawl, and regularly use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to adjust focus, the ability to distinguish colors and pass a Munsell Color Test.OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Weekly Hours:40Benefits for Employees in the US:Benefit offerings to employees and their families include: Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance, available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%. Paid time off includes: 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.More information can be found via: https://learn.bswift.com/la-z-boyIf this role requires travel / driving in order to perform the key responsibilities outlined above, candidates must be able to meet the qualifications noted in the company’s Driver Management Program to be considered for the role.At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we're an equal opportunity employer. We understand that our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service, quality products, and is of utmost importance as we work together to build comfort. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. If you are a qualified individual that may need a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodations by emailing our recruiting team at [e-mail] or by calling 734-242-1444.