Upholstery Designer III

La-Z-Boy • Dayton, OH

1d

About The Position

This position will lead a multidisciplinary team in the creation and development of all upholstery and polymer requirements for new products, engineering prototypes, REAs (Request for Engineering Actions), product support projects, as well as the reengineering of existing products within the global residential division. This role is pivotal in driving product and process innovation while ensuring the quality and craftsmanship of upholstery products by utilizing advanced design techniques and upholstery principles. This role is responsible for leading projects from concept through production, including documentation, material evaluation, and implementation into manufacturing facilities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with 2-4 years of work experience or equivalent.
• Proficient understanding of Assyst design software.
• Strong understanding of upholstery assembly, furniture manufacturing processes, and quality standards, including applications of DFM principles.
• Proficient in interpreting part prints and analyzing material and product test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of Agile and the REA process.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Up to 25% travel required

Nice To Haves

• ASQ Certification
• Associate’s degree in engineering
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification and development of upholstery, panelboard, and foam requirements, establishing the style’s design direction based on guidelines from merchandising when applicable.
• Create detailed piece and part models for multiple materials including cloth, leather, foam, and panelboard for new and re-engineered products, ensuring alignment with aesthetic, functional, and cost criteria.
• Independently research and implement changes to existing products and ensure all designs are tested, documented, and entered in the appropriate databases.
• Incorporate Design for Manufacturing principles (DFM) on designs to optimize product integrity and manufacturability and lead the creation of physical prototypes for review against design criteria and standards.
• Develop and execute test plans for new or existing materials, evaluating data to ensure compliance with industry and company standards, and recommend improvements when necessary.
• Lead the creation of all necessary manufacturing documentation, including content lists, upholstery notes, and weight and dimension sheets, and lead the implementation of approved designs across manufacturing plants and supply centers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with business objectives.
• Maintain and update high-quality design, part, and manufacturing standards and documentation.
• Train team members on processes and standards, and review their work, as requested by leadership.
• Partner with the Test Lab to design and conduct tests and engineering studies to validate and refine designs, ensuring product quality and durability.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of materials, balancing performance with cost-effectiveness to meet cost targets.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance
• 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%
• Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year, two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire and either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED