Operations Specialist Engineer

Leggett & Platt•Carthage, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Leggett & Platt Inc. is seeking an Operations Specialist Engineer to join their operations team and support their bedding business. This role is part of a strategic 2-year training program, after which the successful candidate will relocate to one of the following locations: Carthage, MO, Ennis, TX, Rensselaer, IN, or Monroe, GA. The company has a long history in the sleep industry, holding the original patent for a spiral steel coil bed spring in 1885 and has been an industry leader since then. The Operations Specialist Engineer will ensure people worldwide have more comfort in their lives through their work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Maintenance, or Process Engineering (or equivalent technical experience).
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
Understand the mechanical, electrical, and control systems of manufacturing machinery.
Strong troubleshooting capability across mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and control systems.
Knowledge of PLC systems, servo drives/motors, and 3-phase power supply.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and schematics.
Proven ability to train adult learners in technical subjects.
Skilled at explaining complex mechanical and electrical concepts in clear, practical terms.
Strong listening skills to tailor instruction to learner needs.
Capable of using multiple teaching methods—visual, verbal, and hands-on—to reach all learners.
Collaborative and approachable with strong interpersonal skills.
Process-driven with attention to safety and quality.
Adaptable to shifting priorities and frequent travel requirements.
Leadership potential to guide technical projects and mentor others.
Ability to stand/walk for extended periods; frequent bending, reaching, and climbing on equipment.
Capable of lifting/pushing/pulling up to 75 lbs.
Adequate vision and hearing to detect quality issues and operate equipment safely.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on familiarity with coil-forming and assembly equipment.
Understanding of key quality characteristics in coil manufacturing, innerspring assembly, and mattress production.
Ability to speak and read Spanish and/or German.

Responsibilities

Support US Spring manufacturing branches by diagnosing and resolving machinery or quality problems.
Train technicians and operators to operate production equipment safely.
Assist branches to produce quality products.
Ensure repeatable manufacturing practices through EOJT documentation, Product Specific training, and hands-on knowledge transfer.
Develop a skilled, high performing workforce capable of producing quality innerspring products and meeting performance standards.
Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and quality issues, using these opportunities to improve training and drive machinery enhancements.
Improve machinery efficiency and reliability across the US Spring business unit.
Enhance product and process quality while reducing manufacturing variability.
Support Bedding Group growth objectives through improved equipment utilization and technical staff training.
Establish an efficient and effective training program for new employees that transitions them to capable production roles, ensuring safe practices, equipment operation, and production of high-quality coils, innersprings, and mattresses.
Conduct performance tests and inspections on the mechanical, control, pneumatic, and electrical systems of the machinery, and diagnose and correct issues.
Operate coilers and assemblers to demonstrate best practices.
Uninstall, relocate, and install production equipment as required.
Support efficient, cost-effective management of replacement parts.
Support and train technicians on how to perform repairs, rebuilds, and upgrades.
Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to ensure manufacturability, quality, and cost objectives are met, including supporting the introduction and launch of new products.
Document key machine parameters, modifications, repairs, and process improvements for training and future troubleshooting.
Ensure equipment is safe, compliant, and optimized for operation.
Promote a safe, positive and professional environment.
Act as an advocate for manufacturing employees, bringing opportunities and issues to the attention of branch and business unit management.
Implement structured four-level training methodologies for coiler, assembler, roll pack, and other equipment operators.
Provide multi-level training covering basic to advanced areas of Operations, including Safety, Machine functionality, Industry-specific knowledge, and hands-on processing, troubleshooting, and maintenance.