Product Development Technician
About The Position
Under the direction of the Supervisor (Prototype Production), the Product Development Technician devises and builds prototype mattress and foundation constructions and components for testing and evaluation. The technician analyzes, advises, and recommends on product and production feasibility, process economics, and manufacturing or product enhancements. The role supports designers and the Cover Launch Manager by making prototypes, master covers, and covers that support specification work. It also includes routine Research Center tasks such as shipping, receiving, equipment maintenance, and meeting setup and cleanup.
Requirements
- Technical school graduate or equivalent experience in mattress or foundation manufacture.
- Two years of experience in the bedding or an associated industry.
- Basic skills operating sewing equipment and/or using bedding assembly techniques.
- Strong sewing skills; industrial sewing machine experience is preferred.
- Pattern-making skills, including flat pattern methods and draping.
- Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Proficiency in cutting materials according to patterns and setting up and operating a sewing machine.
- Ability to fix minor stitching problems and use mechanical skills to adjust controls for speed, thread tension, and pleat, tuck, and gather dimensions.
- Ability to manipulate materials through the sewing process.
- Ability to communicate technical ideas effectively through oral and/or written reports.
- Ability to translate component measurements into recorded data for further analysis.
Responsibilities
- Operate manual, semi-automatic, and computer-controlled quilting and sewing equipment to manufacture prototype mattresses, foundations, and associated components.
- Operate manual and semi-automatic tools used to manufacture and assemble mattresses, foundations, and associated components.
- Support designers and the Cover Launch Manager by making prototypes, master covers, and covers that support specification work.
- Modify mattress and foundation constructions and associated components to produce required prototype designs.
- Recommend changes to products, materials, and processes to improve manufacturability.
- Advise on the feasibility, enhancements, and economics of proposed product manufacturing techniques.
- Produce components, assemble complete prototypes, and determine and report the best assembly method.
- Participate in product teardowns and record construction details and component characteristics for further analysis.
- Work with other Research and Development functions when needed to facilitate new product and process development.
- Assist with plant equipment evaluation and selection for major installations when needed.
- Perform routine Research Center duties, including shipping, receiving, equipment maintenance, and meeting setup and cleanup.
- Complete other projects assigned by the supervisor.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
