Why join us? 

Our purpose is to 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

Provides product development leadership responsibility of New Product Commercialization (NPC) and insourcing projects. Conducts feasibility studies, determines manpower, and cost estimates and develops engineering criteria to support production launch. Supports local supply chain identification and development. Emphasis will be placed on team development, leadership, participation, MKPS, ability to plan, and ability to achieve results on projects. In providing representation and leadership, the manager speaks for all disciplines in the product development arena.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Builds team dynamics where opinions are heard and valued, where decisions are made quickly, where expectations are clearly communicated and roles defined.

Analyzes supply chain cost, value stream capabilities, and economic factors making appropriate and accurate recommendations.

Captures and effectively communicates in-depth technical knowledge.

Conceptualizes, drives, and executes solutions to complex problems.

Exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives of assignments.

Identifies and owns improvements to products and processes.

Leads the development of new product and manufacturing processes.

Lead local NPD and project team.

Maintains, applies and teaches engineering expertise with superior results.

Manage major project budgets; accountable for expenses.

Mentors new talent by teaching engineering knowledge and skills.

Presents work output in a clear and concise manner.

Schedules and coordinates major segments of complex launch projects to meet cost and time objectives using MillerKnoll processes (i.e. MRL, Visual Schedule).

Sets engineering and quality standards.

Works collaboratively and broadly across the organization at both a strategic and tactical level applying knowledge to solve complex problems.

Assist with qualification and selection of new or existing suppliers, materials, and manufacturing processes that could provide solutions.

Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Research, investigate, establish and negotiate products criteria, functions, requirements and cost targets (customer criteria, performance requirements, build objective, manufacturability, assembly, quality, and craftsmanship).

Collaborate with industrial designers to understand, negotiate, and implement the design vision and design objectives of products.

Lead development teams to create multiple solution alternatives for problems and concepts. Lead the team to converge on solutions by systematically evaluating the alternatives and tradeoffs against criteria, eliminating the weak alternatives, and improving the feasible alternatives.

Develop and specify appropriate prototype fabrication processes and materials; coordinate the build of prototype products and the fabrication of prototype parts. Coach and mentor other team members in these activities.

Evaluate and test concept models and prototypes against the project objectives, criteria, and cost requirements.

Proactively anticipate and identify potential problems on new products, and develop good corrective actions by following a rigorous problem-solving process. Coach and mentor other team members in this process.

Engage and/or lead in cost estimates for prototypes and production parts.

Evaluate the financial implications of alternate design solutions by assisting in VA/VE activities that evaluate cost drivers of material, labor, overhead, and capital.

Communicate clear, concise, accurate, and detailed engineering documentation (ECOs, deviations, test requests, drawings, etc.) Coach and mentor others.

Collaborate with and advise Performance Engineering to develop performance requirements and test plans; request or perform testing, and evaluate results.

Create, maintain, and release accurate 3D CAD models, drawings, service parts, instruction sheets, Gerber files, ECOs, and BOMs for prototype and production.

Lead installation and digitization of CNC cutting equipment and pattern library.

Support PPAP completion and assure parts are properly released for production.

Support Operations and suppliers with problem identification, problem solving, and operator training during P builds, M builds, and launch activities.

Initiate and drive work with Operations Engineering, Supply Management, Operations, and supplier to refine product designs to optimize tooling and equipment; manufacturing processes, assembly and reliability, assist with evaluating potential part and tooling suppliers.

Manage individual task work to meet project team objectives for budget and timing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited university.

Minimum of 10 years of professional level experience in NPD and launch, preferably in upholstered seating.

Expert experience with leading cross-functional technical project teams.

Knowledgeable in Lean principles and application.

Proficient in Pro-E, Creo, or other 3D CAD modeling software.

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications.

Fluent in English and Spanish.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must be able to assess process concepts and determine where continuous improvement opportunities exist.

Ability to research and solve complex problems with innovation.

Must be able to communicate effectively with people at various levels including Operations, Engineering, and Management ad be able to develop partnerships with other team members across the organization.

Expert problem solving skills and ability to apply engineering expertise to problem solving.

Must be an effective team leader, able to set team goals and objectives, and hold team members accountable to assigned tasks.

Must be able to assess priorities and determine course of action with minimal day-to-day supervision and be able to anticipate, recognize, and respond effectively to changes which affect project plans.

Must possess sound business acumen and understand how decisions impact business results.

Ability to ensure project completion within established time and budget guidelines, acceptable financial returns, and quality products satisfying relevant customer criteria.

Strong interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills required.

Requires initiative, adaptability, and tenacity to succeed and persevere in challenging assignments and timeline.

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.

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  careers_help@millerknoll.com.