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.
Product Development Engineer
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under minimal supervision, applies engineering theories and concepts to assignments in support of business objectives and provides engineering leadership and expertise. Conducts feasibility studies, determines manpower and cost estimates and develops engineering criteria. Performs analyses to develop design options or recommendations for structures, systems and components. Applies originality, ingenuity and knowledge of other disciplines in solving complex problems. Emphasis will be placed on team participation, ability to plan, and ability to achieve results on assigned projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Actively participates in the development of engineering and quality processes; recommending process improvements.
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Applies learned engineering skills to work assignments.
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Applies problem solving skills and executes solutions to difficult problems independently.
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Applies supply chain cost, value stream capabilities and economic principles.
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Coaches engineering tasks and skills to others.
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Defines and completes engineering tasks with minimal oversight of leadership.
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Identifies opportunities for improvements to products and processes.
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Independently develops and applies engineering approaches to projects/assignments.
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Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.
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Presents work output in a clear and concise manner.
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Provides proposal and planning of projects to budget owner using appropriate request process.
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Research, investigate and propose product criteria, functions, requirements and cost targets (customer criteria, performance requirements, build objectives, manufacturability, assembly, quality, craftsmanship, service, installation).
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Collaborate with industrial designers to understand, negotiate, and implement the design vision and design objectives of products.
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Recommend multiple solution alternatives for problems and concepts. Converge on solutions by evaluating the alternatives and tradeoffs, eliminating the weak alternatives, and improving the feasible alternatives.
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Collaborate with executives and leaders, project team members, other engineers, external experts and industrial designers to propose ideas and offer suggestions.
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Evaluate and recommend new or existing suppliers, materials and manufacturing processes that could provide solutions.
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Complete sketches, models, detailed engineering analysis' and studies that support the development of new parts and products; specific tools include FEA, tolerance stacks, FBD's, kinematics, hand calcs, logic flow charts, state diagrams.
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Develop and specify appropriate prototype fabrication processes and materials; coordinate the build of prototype products and the fabrication of prototype parts.
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Evaluate and test concept models and prototypes against the project objectives, criteria and requirements.
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Proactively anticipate and identify potential problems on new products and concepts, and develop good corrective actions by following a rigorous problem solving process.
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Engage in cost estimates for prototype and production parts.
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Communicate clear, concise, accurate and detailed engineering documentation (ECO's, deviations, test requests, work orders, model shop requests, drawings, instructions, e-mails, etc.).
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Collaborate with and advise Performance Engineering to develop Performance Requirements and test plans; request or perform physical testing on parts and products then evaluate test results.
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Create, maintain and release accurate 3D CAD models, drawings, service parts, instruction sheets, gerber files, schematics, ECO's, BOM's and material specifications for prototype products and production products.
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Council the development of planning guides, CSI, tech specs, product labeling and marketing materials.
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Support and council completion of PPAP and assure parts are properly released for production following HMI procedures.
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Initiate and drive work with manufacturing engineering, supply management, operations and suppliers to refine product designs to optimize tooling and equipment; manufacturing processes, assembly and reliability; assist with evaluating potential part suppliers and tooling suppliers.
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Initiate and drive work with Quality Engineering, Dimensional Engineers and suppliers to refine product designs to achieve quality and craftsmanship objectives.
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Support operations and suppliers with problem identification, problem solving and operator training during pilot builds and launch activities.
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Manage personal work to meet project team objectives for budget and timing.
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Initiate and drive regular review of part and product designs with development team members, managers, designers and suppliers to solicit their feedback and suggestions for improvements.
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Maintain engineering notes, models, records, calculations and analysis' that demonstrate the progression of the product designs and review with lead engineers when requested.
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Initiate and complete patent disclosers and Right to Use (RTU) with HMI legal staff.
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Support new patent applications with HMI legal staff when appropriate.
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Support other project team members and project activities that require input and task work from the product development engineer: project schedules, project budgets, CMF development, prototype builds, PR's, testing, supplier communications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited program.
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7 years of professional engineering experience with proven competency in achieving results.
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Project management experience may be essential for some assignments; process engineer preferred for some assignments.
Skills and Abilities
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Knowledgeable in Lean principles and application.
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Must be able to assess process concepts and to determine where continuous improvement opportunities exist.
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Must be able to communicate effectively with people at various levels including production, engineering, and management and to be able to work well with and develop a partnering relationship with other team members. Knowledgeable in the use of common office automation, communication, software and tools, Herman Miller mainframe applications and engineering related software.
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Must be a skilled problem solver and be able to apply engineering expertise to problem solving.
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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.
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Must have an overall business sense and understand how decisions impact business results.
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3+ years of professional level experience in new product development design or engineering.
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Demonstrated proficiency in Pro-E modeling or other equivalent 3D CAD software.
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 [email protected].
