Product Development Technician

Tempur Sealy International•Trinity, NC

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 on, and recommends product and production feasibility, process economics, and manufacturing or product enhancements. The role supports Designers and the Cover Launch Manager by producing prototypes, master covers, and covers that support specification work. It also contributes to product and process development, product teardowns, and equipment evaluation when needed.

Requirements

Technical school graduate or equivalent experience in mattress/foundation manufacture.
Two years of experience in the bedding or an associated industry.
Basic skills in operating sewing equipment and/or bedding assembly techniques.
Demonstrated ability to communicate technical ideas through oral and/or written reports.
Ability to translate component measurements into recorded data for further analysis.
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.
Competency in fixing minor stitching problems and adjusting sewing machine controls, including speed, thread tension, and dimensions for pleats, tucks, and gathers.

Nice To Haves

Industrial sewing machine experience.

Responsibilities

Operate manual, semi-automatic, and computer-controlled quilting and sewing equipment to manufacture prototype mattresses, foundations, and components.
Operate manual and semi-automatic tools used to manufacture and assemble mattresses, foundations, and components.
Make prototypes, master covers, and covers to support Designers, the Cover Launch Manager, and specification work.
Modify mattress and foundation constructions and components to produce required prototype designs.
Recommend product, material, and process changes to improve manufacturability.
Advise on the feasibility, potential enhancements, and economics of proposed 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 analysis.
Work with other Research and Development functions to support new product and process development when warranted.
Assist with plant equipment evaluation and selection for major installations when warranted.
Handle routine Research Center duties, including shipping, receiving, equipment maintenance, meeting setup, and cleanup.
Complete other projects assigned by the supervisor.