Manufacturing Engineer (Continuous Improvement & Packaging Optimization)

Description

The Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Packaging Optimization Engineer will develop and implement strategies to enhance manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and increase overall productivity while driving cost savings and sustainability. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams to streamline operations, improve production efficiency, and innovate packaging solutions that align with organizational goals. 

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Demonstrate the Core Values of Comfort Research in daily actions, execution of tasks and interactions with others.
• Perform thorough evaluations of existing manufacturing processes, identify areas for improvement, and propose and implement effective solutions to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality.
• Analyze production data and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and cost reduction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, production, and supply chain, to ensure smooth integration of quality and compliance considerations into all manufacturing processes.
• Develop and implement quality assurance and control processes in manufacturing operations to ensure compliance with company standards, industry regulations, and customer requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process flow charts, quality control standards, and compliance requirements in coordination with our QMS.
• Develop and implement lean manufacturing principles, such as 5S, value stream mapping, and Kanban, to optimize workflow and minimize waste.
• Investigate and analyze production issues, non-conformance incidents, and customer complaints, and develop corrective action plans to address root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to production teams regarding quality control methods, inspection techniques, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Design and implement process improvement projects to enhance productivity, quality, and safety including a revamp of our QMS.
• Implement statistical process control (SPC) methods and other quality control techniques to monitor and improve product quality.
• Identify and implement automation and technology solutions to enhance manufacturing processes.
• Support the training and development of manufacturing personnel on manufacturing processes, new product specs, and lean methodology, ensuring a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on industry trends, advancements, and best practices related to manufacturing processes and continuous improvement methodologies. Perform comprehensive evaluations of manufacturing processes, identify areas for improvement, and propose and implement effective solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Analyze production and packaging performance metrics to identify inefficiencies, reduce costs, and optimize resource utilization.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing (SOPs), work instructions, and process flow charts.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles, such as 5S, value stream mapping, and Kanban, to streamline workflows and minimize waste.
• Investigate and resolve production and packaging issues, identifying root causes and developing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Lead cross-functional process improvement projects focused on enhancing manufacturing efficiency, time studies, packaging/shipping cost improvements, material usage, and product packout.
• Collaborate with suppliers to optimize packaging materials and processes.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the carbon footprint and implementing recycling programs.
• Train and support production teams on lean methodologies, process optimization, and operational best practices.
• Stay informed on industry trends, advancements, and best practices to innovate in manufacturing.
• HAVE FUN!
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

OUR AWESOME BENEFITS

Here at Comfort Research, we believe that the health and well-being of our Ambassadors and their families is critical to their success in the workplace. Comfort Research offers a generous benefits program that includes:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plan that begins accruing upon hire for eligible Ambassadors
• Culture Awards program with opportunities to win cash prizes or extra PTO in addition to company-wide recognition
• Several paid holidays throughout the year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Growing family bonus & extra PTO for new parents
• Referral Bonus program
• 401(k) program with generous company match
• A variety of health insurance plans to choose from with company contributions to premiums
• Dental, vision, and other ancillary insurance coverages available
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability coverage
• Company-paid Life Insurance policy
• Free product allowances & product discounts

WHO WE ARE

Comfort Research is leading the furniture industry in innovative and affordable design and manufacturing. We’ve listened to the growing demand for quality, modern, leading-edge furniture and have responded with a bang! Today, you can find our products at all your favorite retailers, like Walmart, Meijer, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Amazon (to name a few). But that’s just the beginning. We’re on our way to realizing our dream of becoming the "Best Known Brand in Furniture” and we’re pretty excited about it.

As we’ve grown, we’ve continued to be recognized as a Great Place to Work—and we’ve remained committed to building a positive culture and creating dynamic, fun atmosphere. We believe in hard work and we live by our core values of: Finding A Better Way, Doing the Right Thing, and Expecting the Best from Each Other and Ourselves. At Comfort Research, the pace is fast, the work is anything but boring, and the result is always more Comfort for All.

This position is a hybrid role, requiring 3 days per week on-site at our office located at 1719 Elizabeth Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. The remaining workdays can be completed remotely, providing a flexible balance between in-office collaboration and remote work convenience. Candidates should be within commuting distance of our Grand Rapids location.

Comfort Research is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is required.
• Advanced Engineering degree or certification in Quality Management is a plus.
• 2-5 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience.
• 2-5 years of Quality experience.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing engineering, process improvement, and quality assurance within a regulated industry (e.g., furniture, consumer goods, toys).Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, continuous improvement, or packaging optimization roles.
• Demonstrated success in process improvement and cost-saving initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with packaging and shipping configuration optimization is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles, quality control methods, and root cause analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in using quality tools and methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Statistical Process Control, and FMEA.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect and interpret data to drive decision-making.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
• Experience with implementing and managing continuous improvement projects, including project planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software, ERP systems, and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices related to manufacturing operations.
• Experience with rebuilding a QMS is a plus.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations is preferred (e.g., ISO 9001, FDA regulations, AS9100), and experience in ensuring compliance with these requirements). Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and manufacturing engineering practices.
• Experience with process improvement tools such as Six Sigma, value stream mapping, and statistical process control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect and interpret data to drive decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, Excel, and data analysis tools. Experience in Power BI, is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and quality industry standards related to manufacturing.