Staff Sustainability Engineer

Chemistry for Sustainability; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

MillerKnoll is seeking a Staff Sustainability Engineer to lead enterprise-wide sustainability initiatives, guiding environmental impact assessments and product stewardship across operations, supply chain, and portfolio.

You will mentor teams, drive innovative design changes, and partner with Innovation, NPD, and Supply Management to balance environmental goals with business objectives. A strong track record in leadership and stakeholder engagement is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in chemistry, engineering or related field.
• 6–10 years of sustainability engineering experience.
• Proven cross-functional program leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide sustainability programs driving environmental impact.
• Apply engineering & chemical principles to assess environmental impacts and safety.
• Coach engineers and teams in sustainability practices and responsible design.
• Collaborate with Innovation, NPD, and Supply Management to align sustainability with business goals.
• Represent the company in external sustainability partnerships and industry coalitions.

Skills

Advanced chemical principles

Engineering principles

Environmental regulations

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Systems thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in chemistry/engineering

Job description

Why join us?

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 MillerKnoll 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 MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Staff Sustainability Engineer leads enterprise-wide sustainability programs that drive measurable environmental impact across MillerKnoll’s operations, supply chain, and product portfolio. This role applies chemistry and engineering principles to evaluate environmental impacts and influence sustainable product design through life cycle assessment tools and methodologies. You’ll serve as a systems owner, strategic program leader, and external representative, guiding the adoption of innovative technologies and shaping sustainability strategy across the organization. This role provides technical leadership in sustainable design, chemical safety, and product stewardship, serving as a key resource for cross-functional teams including Innovation, New Product Development, and Supply Management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads the development and continuous improvement of sustainability processes, recommending enhancements to environmental assessment workflows.
• Applies advanced engineering and scientific expertise to evaluate materials, products, and processes for environmental impact and chemical safety.
• Independently solves complex sustainability challenges, including identifying safer alternatives, improving product stewardship, and supporting regulatory compliance.
• Integrates supply chain, value stream, and economic principles into sustainability recommendations to balance environmental performance with business objectives.
• Mentors and coaches other engineers and team members in sustainability principles, environmental assessment methods, and responsible design practices.
• Defines and completes sustainability-related tasks and projects with minimal oversight, demonstrating ownership and accountability.
• Identifies and drives opportunities for environmental improvements in products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Develops and applies innovative approaches to sustainability assessments, chemical evaluations, and design for environment initiatives.
• Communicates technical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, tailoring messaging for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Prepares and presents proposals for sustainability initiatives, including resource needs and budget estimates, using appropriate request and approval processes.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support site and business objectives.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Build and lead cross-functional coalitions involving innovation, product development, EHS, operations, and supply management.
• Resolve complex technical and organizational challenges related to sustainability implementation.

External Engagement & Representation

• Represent MillerKnoll in industry coalitions, regulatory bodies, and sustainability partnerships.
• Communicate technical insights and program outcomes to external stakeholders and customers.

Mentorship & Capability Development

• Mentor engineers and contribute to team development and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

• Bachelors and/or masters degree in chemistry, engineering or related field.
• 6–10 years of experience in sustainability engineering or related field.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional program management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience with sustainability platforms and regulatory reporting tools.
• Ability to influence internal and external partners toward sustainability goals.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced chemical and engineering principles applied to sustainable manufacturing.
• Global environmental product regulations and sustainability frameworks (LEED, WELL, ISO 14040/44, ESG).
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools and environmental impact modeling.
• Systems thinking and enterprise data governance.
• Balance environmental and business objectives by understanding and communicating the financial outcomes of sustainability decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. MillerKnoll 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 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. 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 [emailprotected] .