Sr. Engineer Manufacturing Development Lead, Upholstery

Herman Miller - Hildebran, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Hildebran, NC

Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Sr. Engineer Manufacturing Development Lead for Upholstery at Geiger is a pivotal role that combines engineering expertise with leadership to drive the development of upholstered goods across multiple manufacturing sites. This position requires an individual who can independently apply engineering theories and concepts to support business objectives, ensuring that all designs and documentation comply with established criteria and standards. The role involves conducting feasibility studies, estimating manpower and costs, and developing engineering criteria to facilitate the manufacturing process. The successful candidate will leverage their originality and ingenuity to solve complex problems while emphasizing team leadership, effective communication, and the ability to achieve results on assigned projects. In this role, the engineer will coordinate CAD and data engineering efforts, provide expertise in internal frame design, foam-up/spring-up, sewing, and upholstery development. They will also be responsible for developing specifications for materials such as foam, fiber, suspension, and adhesives, ensuring that manufacturing readiness is achieved through collaboration with various departments and sites. The engineer will lead costing and feasibility studies, analyze supply chain costs, and make recommendations based on economic principles. Advanced problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to coach and mentor others in engineering tasks and skills. The position also involves developing and implementing engineering and quality processes, identifying opportunities for improvement in products and processes, and managing budgets and expenses. The engineer will present their work clearly and concisely, schedule and coordinate major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives, and collaborate strategically across the organization, applying knowledge from other disciplines. Leadership responsibilities include determining appropriate staffing levels, overseeing employee development, and fostering a positive employee relations environment. The engineer will prioritize and align work demand with engineering capabilities while nurturing relationships with external groups requiring engineering support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of upholstered goods across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Coordinate CAD and data engineering.
• Provide expertise in internal frame design, foam-up/spring-up, sewing, and upholstery development.
• Develop specifications for materials including foam, fiber, suspension, and adhesives.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness through coordination with various departments and sites.
• Identify facility needs and coordinate with site resources.
• Lead costing and feasibility studies.
• Analyze supply chain costs, value stream capabilities, and economic principles to make recommendations.
• Execute advanced problem-solving skills and solutions independently.
• Coach and mentor others in engineering tasks and skills.
• Develop and implement engineering and quality processes.
• Identify opportunities and drive improvements in products and processes.
• Lead and complete complex engineering tasks with minimal oversight.
• Manage budgets and expenses.
• Present work clearly and concisely.
• Schedule and coordinate major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives.
• Collaborate strategically across the organization, applying knowledge from other disciplines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited program.
• 7-10 years of professional experience.
• Proven experience with leading cross-functional technical project teams.
• Knowledgeable in Lean principles and application.
• Ability to assess process concepts and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Effective communication skills with various levels including production, engineering, and management.
• Proficient in common office automation software, HMI mainframe applications, and engineering-related software.
• Skilled problem solver with the ability to apply engineering expertise to problem-solving tasks.
• Effective team leader capable of setting team goals and holding members accountable.
• Ability to assess priorities and determine course of action with minimal supervision.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the furniture manufacturing industry.
• Familiarity with upholstery materials and processes.
• Knowledge of CAD software and engineering design tools.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements.