Product Engineer - Textiles - Purchasing Development

Inter IKEA Group•King of Prussia, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position leads the development from a technical point of view for new and existing products specifically for the North America (NA) market, and key improvement of existing products for both Mattresses and Filled products in the US. The role involves working closely with suppliers and the Range area, focusing on customer needs, product performance, and new technology. The Product Engineer will lead the work of securing the next generation of products specifically aimed for NA, contributing to IKEA's mission of creating a better everyday life for many people.

Requirements

Strong understanding of customer needs, Democratic Design principles, and product critical-to-quality (CTQ) requirements.
Solid knowledge of product development processes and a good understanding of product requirements, testing methods, standards, materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability impacts.
Proficient in relevant engineering tools and systems such as SolidWorks.
Motivated team player with the ability to lead, coach, and engage stakeholders effectively.
Results-oriented, proactive, and quality-focused, with a strong sense of ownership and urgency.
Strong project management skills, including planning, scope, stakeholder, timeline, and change management.
Ability to collaborate across functions, suppliers, and regions to drive alignment and successful product implementation.
Analytical, structured problem-solver who makes decisions with a holistic view of customers, suppliers, and the IKEA business.
Engineering or quality background with manufacturing, supplier management, and product development experience.
Must share IKEA values: togetherness and enthusiasm, constant desire for renewal and simplicity.
Willing to travel 30%.

Responsibilities

Lead the product development together with suppliers and be the key contact for the Range area and supporting organizations.
Work with both Mattresses and Filled Products for NA.
Ensure new products are performing better than the running range.
Build and maintain business relations.
Lead and involve the right resources in Purchasing to secure that product development (NEWS and MOVES) projects are delivered on time, with quality, and with full compliance.
Lead product development at the factory floor from a technical point of view and secure scalability for further implementation at other suppliers.
Define, together with Home Furnishing Business (HFB), the evaluation & test requirements the supplier has to fulfill during the development stage.
Make sure requirements are fulfilled before production starts and secure the product is at the correct quality level according to IKEA Documentation (including packaging, tests and comply with relevant standards, demands and guidelines).
Participate in Contract Review and lead implementation of product documentation connected to new articles as well as product improvements at suppliers.
In cooperation with supplier and Product Compliance specialist, secure and verify that all IKEA requirement documents are correct, complete and available in the IT system at first delivery.
Contribute to the development projects and design/product risk analysis (FMEA) from a technical perspective, with competence in construction, material, production, quality, and customer expectations.
Actively identify, put forward and lead/execute Product Improvements with priority to satisfy customers, as well as to utilize material and energy in an efficient way.
Conduct Production Risk Assessments for new products together with supplier and production engineer.
Evaluate potential new material and techniques, and understand the holistic picture for the Americas.
Actively search for information and continuously learn from good examples and mistakes.
Conduct supplier development activities to increase supplier capabilities for product development.