Engineer Work Team Leader

Why join us?

Knoll uses modern design to connect people to their work, their lives, their world. Since 1938, we have been recognized internationally for creating workplace and residential furnishings that inspire, evolve, and endure.

Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It's the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of Knoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows Knoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Independently applies engineering and continuous improvement (CI) principles to support business objectives. This role includes leadership responsibilities and specialized expertise in process transformation. The individual will critically evaluate design concepts, system-driven processes, and documentation to ensure alignment with design criteria and MKPS standards. A key priority of this role is the successful implementation and completion of the MKPS process developed in Michigan, specifically for Metal Fabrication through Paint and Assembly. The Work Team Lead is expected to drive this transformation initiative with strategic focus, ensuring it meets performance, quality, and operational goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and support cross-functional teams in process improvement initiatives for the Metals Value Stream

• Conduct feasibility studies and develop manpower, cost, and schedule estimates.

• Define and implement production criteria through facilitated planning.

• Apply creativity, technical knowledge, and interdisciplinary collaboration to solve complex problems and develop innovative processes.

• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Emphasize team leadership, effective communication, strategic planning, and results-driven execution of assigned projects. Analyzes supply chain cost, value stream capabilities and economic principles, making appropriate recommendations.

• Applies advanced problem-solving skills and executes solutions to complex problems independently.

• Applies learned engineering skills to work assignments.

• Coaches and mentors others to adapt and engage in MKPS philosophies and structures.

• Develops and implements engineering and quality processes.

• Exercises considerable latitude in determining the technical objectives of an assignment.

• Identifies opportunities and owns improvements to products and processes.

• Leads, defines, and completes complex engineering tasks with minimal oversight of leadership.

• Manages and accountable for budgets, expenses, and performance management of subordinates.

• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

• Presents work output in a clear and concise manner.

• Schedules and coordinates major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives.

• Work broadly across the organization at a strategic level, applying knowledge of other disciplines in solving complex problems.

• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

• Additional Essential Functions

• Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

• Accountable for determining and maintaining appropriate staffing levels and for leading/coaching/mentoring a multifunctional team which involves employee development, performance planning and review, performance management and maintaining a positive employee relations environment.

• Prioritizes the total work demand for the group and aligns external group expectations with production planning and processes. Continually manages and nurtures the relationships with groups that demand production engineering support; meets expectations which are established.

• Continually improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the work team through investing in the growth of work team members, through the adoption of new and improved tools, through the elimination of systemic waste in the work processes, and through additional means where appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution.

• 7-10 years of professional experience in engineering or related fields.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical project teams.

• Strong knowledge and practical application of Lean principles.

• Skilled in evaluating process concepts and identifying continuous improvement opportunities.

• Effective communicator across all organizational levels, including production, engineering, and management.

• Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong working relationships.

• Proficient in office automation tools, MK mainframe applications, and engineering-related software.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply engineering expertise to complex challenges.

• Demonstrated leadership in setting team goals, driving accountability, and achieving results.

• Capable of prioritizing tasks and making decisions independently with minimal supervision.

• Adaptable to change and able to respond effectively to shifting project requirements.

• Business-minded with an understanding of how technical decisions impact overall operations.

• Able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Knoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We're committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification. In general, MillerKnoll positions are closed within 45 days and are open for applications for a minimum of 5 days. We encourage our prospective candidates to submit their application(s) expediently so as not to miss out on our opportunities. We frequently post new opportunities and encourage prospective candidates to check back often for new postings.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at click to view [email protected] .