MillerKnoll
Overview
Senior Process Development Engineer at MillerKnoll. General Purpose: Take a hands-on leadership role in developing and implementing manufacturing processes for new retail/office furniture products, including systems and seating. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives on the shop floor, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and drives product launches through direct engagement with new product engineering, tooling, prototyping, automation, and production line setup. You’ll turn design concepts into manufacturable, high-quality products that meet cost, performance, and ergonomic standards. Essential Functions
Lead hands-on development of manufacturing processes early in the new product development cycle, supporting new seating and systems products, including prototyping, tooling trials, and pilot builds. Work closely with new product development engineering to ensure manufacturability and a seamless transition from concept to production. Build and test physical prototypes, fixtures, and jigs to validate process concepts and improve product quality. Collaborate with new product development and production teams on the floor to identify problems early, troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and implement new processes. Develop and validate processes for upholstery, metal fabrication, plastic molding, and assembly. Apply MillerKnoll Performance System (MKPS) and lean principles to identify and eliminate waste during product ramp-up. Create and maintain detailed process documentation, including lessons learned, decision matrices, and final process parameters. Lead cross-functional teams through hands-on problem-solving and root cause analysis during product launch phases. Support supplier process development and qualification for new components and materials. Present findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders across new product development, manufacturing engineering, operations, and leadership. Specify, evaluate, and implement industrial automation solutions such as robotic assembly, automated fastening, and material handling systems to support new product launches. Collaborate with equipment vendors and internal maintenance teams to integrate new machinery and ensure equipment readiness for production. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering. 7–10 years of experience in hands-on process development, preferably in the office furniture industry. Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes used in office systems and seating (e.g., upholstery, welding, powder coating, injection molding, assembly). Experience with industrial automation systems, including robotics, PLCs, and automated assembly equipment. Comfortable working on the production floor, building prototypes, and interacting directly with operators and technicians. Experience operating machine shop equipment (mills, lathes, saws, etc.). Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles and ergonomic design. Proficient in 3D modeling software (SolidWorks preferred), process simulation tools, and standard office software. Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering, production, and supply chain teams. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a dynamic product development environment. Strong problem-solving skills with a bias for action and continuous improvement. Who We Hire
MillerKnoll is committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities. We hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We’re dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If accommodations are needed, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at careers_help@millerknoll.com. Location and Compensation
Holland, MI $65,000.00 - $70,000.00
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Senior Process Development Engineer at MillerKnoll. General Purpose: Take a hands-on leadership role in developing and implementing manufacturing processes for new retail/office furniture products, including systems and seating. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives on the shop floor, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and drives product launches through direct engagement with new product engineering, tooling, prototyping, automation, and production line setup. You’ll turn design concepts into manufacturable, high-quality products that meet cost, performance, and ergonomic standards. Essential Functions
Lead hands-on development of manufacturing processes early in the new product development cycle, supporting new seating and systems products, including prototyping, tooling trials, and pilot builds. Work closely with new product development engineering to ensure manufacturability and a seamless transition from concept to production. Build and test physical prototypes, fixtures, and jigs to validate process concepts and improve product quality. Collaborate with new product development and production teams on the floor to identify problems early, troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and implement new processes. Develop and validate processes for upholstery, metal fabrication, plastic molding, and assembly. Apply MillerKnoll Performance System (MKPS) and lean principles to identify and eliminate waste during product ramp-up. Create and maintain detailed process documentation, including lessons learned, decision matrices, and final process parameters. Lead cross-functional teams through hands-on problem-solving and root cause analysis during product launch phases. Support supplier process development and qualification for new components and materials. Present findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders across new product development, manufacturing engineering, operations, and leadership. Specify, evaluate, and implement industrial automation solutions such as robotic assembly, automated fastening, and material handling systems to support new product launches. Collaborate with equipment vendors and internal maintenance teams to integrate new machinery and ensure equipment readiness for production. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering. 7–10 years of experience in hands-on process development, preferably in the office furniture industry. Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes used in office systems and seating (e.g., upholstery, welding, powder coating, injection molding, assembly). Experience with industrial automation systems, including robotics, PLCs, and automated assembly equipment. Comfortable working on the production floor, building prototypes, and interacting directly with operators and technicians. Experience operating machine shop equipment (mills, lathes, saws, etc.). Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles and ergonomic design. Proficient in 3D modeling software (SolidWorks preferred), process simulation tools, and standard office software. Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering, production, and supply chain teams. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a dynamic product development environment. Strong problem-solving skills with a bias for action and continuous improvement. Who We Hire
MillerKnoll is committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities. We hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. We’re dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If accommodations are needed, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at careers_help@millerknoll.com. Location and Compensation
Holland, MI $65,000.00 - $70,000.00
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