Product Engineer

Sauder Manufacturing was founded in 1945 as a Church furniture Company. We have a rich history in crafting solid wood into beautiful, enduring, quality furniture and today that is blended with modern technology and a strong customer focus.

Sauder Manufacturing Co. sells in four strategic markets: Healthcare Furniture for Acute Care Hospitals, Education Furniture for colleges and universities, Worship furniture for churches, synagogues, courthouses and furniture for human services markets which is a diverse network of agencies providing residential housing to many individuals. At Sauder Manufacturing, how do we do our work----new technology, new products and new ideas----changes constantly---but our values----how we treat our customers, suppliers and each other----never change.

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday


Position Summary:
As a member of the Product Development Team, a Product Engineer at Sauder Manufacturing Co. functions as an integral part of a dynamic engineering and cross-functional team, in an environment that requires creativity, attention to detail, an open mind, and great communication skills. This individual will be required to perform some or all of the job functions denoted below and to possess or be willing and able to acquire some or all of the qualifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):
• Collaborate with co-workers to discover innovative, cost-effective solutions that help maintain SMC’s product leadership position in the marketplace.
• Prepare part cost analyses; participate in make/buy decisions and identification of potential sources.
• Function as a core member of cross-functional teams operating within Sauder’s product development process.
• Execute the projects identified in the new product roadmap for each business unit
• Identify and execute product and CM improvements throughout the product life cycle
• Develop new product concepts from initial feasibility, through detailed design and engineering, to launch.
• Perform product design risk and cost assessments; analyze, test and optimize proposed solutions on non-motion product
• Assist on product design risk and cost assessments; analyze, test and optimize proposed solutions on motion product
• Employ tolerance stack-up studies and advanced product quality planning tools/techniques as warranted.
• Construct prototypes to further develop and verify engineering and design direction.
• Identify and develop test plans for product based on BIFMA standards
• Ensure manufacturing, assembly, and tooling standards can be met with product design
• Model and assemble engineered concepts of new products in 3D space using SolidWorks
• Create, release, and maintain assembly models and detailed component drawings in PDM
• Develop, maintain, and manage simple product documentation including bills of material, critical characteristics, specifications, test plans, and engineering change notices.
• Perform a variety of tasks as required on multiple projects simultaneously.

Experience and Knowledge Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Project management/leadership skills.
• Experience working in a Stage-Gate and/or Lean Product Development process desired
• Experience working in a cross-functional project team environment
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple low-profile projects simultaneously
• Accountability for meeting commitments and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); ability to interact, influence, and communicate with people at all levels across the company as well as with external suppliers.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Root-cause analysis, critical thinking, and A3 Problem-Solving desired
• 2 years’ CAD experience – SolidWorks and AutoCAD desired
• Positive consideration given to individuals with experience in :
◦ Leveraging design development tools such as FMEA, FEA, DFMA, GD&T, and/or VA/VE
◦ Furniture manufacturing and/or knowledge of wood and woodworking processes
◦ Hands-on manufacturing/prototyping (woodworking, framing, fabrication, sewing/upholstery, assembly). Experience with and/or knowledge of foam and/or fabric/upholstery/sewing a plus.
◦ Knowledge of other materials (plastics, metals, coatings, etc.), and their production processes; quality assurance, cost estimating, etc.


Key Attributes Required:
• Able to assess and solve complex problems using qualitative and quantitative analyses
• Remain rational when confronted with difficult circumstances or crises
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to pe