Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture

Upholstery Manufacturing Engineer

The Upholstery Manufacturing Engineer serves as a critical bridge between product design, research & development, and manufacturing operations. This technical role combines engineering expertise with furniture construction knowledge to optimize product design, improve manufacturability, reduce costs, and ensure quality throughout the product development lifecycle.

Working closely with Design, R&D, and Manufacturing teams, you will finalize new product designs, develop component specifications, drive engineering changes, and provide technical leadership on construction methods and best practices for upholstered furniture production.

Core Responsibilities
Product Finalization & Component Development
Finalize R&D frames that have received "GO" approval for production, translating design concepts into manufacturable specifications. Create detailed component drawings and specifications for:
• Poly foam and cushioning materials
• Cardboard reinforcements and supports
• EVA/EPE (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate/Expanded Polyethylene) components
• Plastic components and hardware
• Frame assemblies and sub-assemblies

Design for Testing & Innovation
Design frames and components to test new construction methods, validate best practices, and identify cost reduction opportunities while maintaining or improving product quality and durability.
Engineering Change Management
Maintain and develop components and packaging specifications for frames identified through the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process, ensuring design modifications are properly documented and implemented across the product line.
R&D Collaboration & Prototyping Support
Partner with Design and R&D teams throughout the market development process, providing engineering insight for:
• Prototyping samples
• Design feasibility assessments
• Construction method recommendations
• Material selection and optimization
• Special projects requiring technical expertise
Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement
Collaborate with manufacturing operations on product line improvements and projects that shift production practices, focusing on manufacturability, efficiency, quality enhancement, and cost optimization.

Qualifications
Education
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent work experience)

Experience
• 3+ years in product engineering, preferably in furniture manufacturing or related industries
• Experience with upholstered furniture construction methods, materials, and assembly processes preferred
• Background in design for manufacturability (DFM) and cost engineering
• Exposure to new product development and engineering change management
Technical Skills & Knowledge
• CAD software proficiency (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar 3D modeling tools)
• Strong understanding of furniture frame construction, joinery methods, and structural requirements
• Knowledge of upholstery materials including foam types, densities, fabrics, and support systems
• Familiarity with wood, metal, plastic, and composite material properties and applications
• Understanding of manufacturing processes: cutting, assembly, sewing, upholstering
• Experience with engineering change order (ECO) systems and documentation practices
• Ability to read and create technical drawings, BOMs (Bills of Material), and specifications
• Working knowledge of quality standards and testing methods for furniture products

Who We Are  At Ashley, we’re more than a business…we’re family. As the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we know what it takes to build incredible furniture and future leaders. We’re problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses. And never settle for status quo. It’s the reason we’re always searching for better ways to delivering an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry. Ready to grow? You’ve come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a “Growth Mindset”, and once you join our team, you’ll learn from the best in the business.  Apply today and find your home at Ashley!  Benefits We Offer  Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program  Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off  Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings  Professional Development Opportunities  Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism  Telehealth  401(k) and Profit Sharing  Life Insurance  Our Core Values  Honesty & Integrity  Passion, Drive, Discipline  Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence Dirty Fingernail Growth Focused To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Brochure information page:  Ashley Furniture Corporate Brochure We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals Only.