Product Development Engineer - Upholstery

Knoll Inc.; Hildebran (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MillerKnoll is seeking a design engineer in the United States to drive innovation in new product development for upholstered seating frames and components. You will collaborate with brand and design partners and internal manufacturing teams to bring concepts to life through creative problem-solving and manufacturing-focused design.

The role emphasizes 3D modelling, BOM creation, prototype validation, and cross-functional teamwork to achieve timely launches and cost-efficient production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in applied arts preferred or equivalent education and professional experience.
• 5 years of professional engineering experience leading development projects.
• Experience designing and engineering plywood and solid wood upholstered chair frames and foam.
• Hands-on experience with frame construction, foam up and upholstery.
• Proven design and problem-solving skills with a keen understanding of brand aesthetic.
• Proven experience working with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Participates within cross functional product development team.
• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

Skills

CAD (Creo/SolidWorks)

Cross-functional teamwork

Prototyping & testing

Materials cost optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in applied arts or related

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Why join us?

Geiger furnishes the modern office with beautiful solutions for private offices, conference rooms, collaborative spaces, and more. Geiger designs play an important role in creating environments where people want to be—spaces that stimulate creative and analytical thinking, strengthen organizational culture, and communicate trust to clients and visitors. Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It's the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of Geiger means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows Geiger to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

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
• Participates within cross functional product development team
• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in applied arts preferred or equivalent education and professional experience
• 5 years of professional engineering experience with leading development projects
• Experience designing and engineering plywood and solid wood upholstered chair frames and foam
• 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

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively use office automation, communication, software and tools currently used in the 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
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills, including professional presentation skills
• Must be open to new ideas and technologies
• Exhibits ability to work cooperatively both in a team environment and independently
• Must be able to maintain a positive attitude in addressing concerns
• Must be an 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
• Must be willing to take ownership efficiently working to drive tasks to completion
• Coordinate with suppliers and customer regarding technical specifications and product requirements
• Ability to understand the corporation's values, goals and the objectives along with key financial drivers
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without accommodation

Who We Hire?

Simply put, 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.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at [e-mail].

MillerKnoll is a collective of design brands coming together to remake modern for the 21st century.