Job Overview

We are looking for a Design Engineer to join our seating group, focused on the design and development of office chairs, lounge seating, and components. In this role, you will lead complex product development initiviates - from concept through launch. You'll apply advanced CAD modeling, and surface design skills to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer requirements and manufacturing capabilities. You will work extensively with plastic and aluminum components, driving the design, prototypes, testing, and implementation of new and enhanced products while ensuring optimal functionality, quality and cost effectiveness. This is a New Product Introduction (NPI) focused role where you will also leverage FEA analysis to validate designs and support successful new product launches. 

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex projects: Lead and manage complex product engineering projects, overseeing project scope, budget, and timelines.
• Design and implement innovative product solutions: Design, develop, and implement innovative product solutions to optimize functionality, quality, and cost.
• Conduct advanced product and process analysis: Conduct advanced product and process analysis, utilizing engineering principles and tools to solve complex challenges.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving: Lead cross-functional teams in problem-solving initiatives, driving continuous improvement efforts within the product development process.
• Develop and implement quality control plans: Develop and implement quality control plans, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.
• Mentor and train junior engineers: Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Research and recommend new technologies: Stay at the forefront of industry advancements, researching and recommending new technologies, materials, and methodologies to enhance product design and development.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering or similar relevant field of study
• Education Equivalency: Associate's Degree plus 2 years related experience OR 4 years related experience if no post-secondary education
• Work Experience: 5 years design engineering experience with Bachelor’s Degree OR 3 years design engineering experience with Master’s Degree
• Applicants must be able to work fully onsite in Holland, MI; this position does not offer remote or hybrid work and does not include relocation assistance.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US to be eligible for this position.
  
  

For candidates with military experience, applicable military occupational specialties (MOS) may be considered equivalent to required experience. Military equivalency information is available at www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting new product introductions (NPI) with a strong focus on launch timing and successful phase gate execution
• Proven background designing products to BIFMA standards, preferably within the furniture or seating industry
• Hands-on experience designing seating components, including plastic and aluminum die‑cast parts
• Advanced CAD modeling and surfacing skills, with experience developing complex, highly contoured parts
• Working knowledge of FEA analysis to support design validation and feasibility assessments
• Experience collaborating with industrial designers and cross‑functional teams to develop production ready products
• Exposure to mechanism design and integration within seating systems
• Strong feasibility and upfront design analysis skills to support informed concept and architecture decisions