Furniture Technical Design Consultant

Job Type: Contract
Compensation Range: $70 - 80 per hour

Our client, a major global retailer, is seeking an expert Lead Furniture Engineer / Technical Designer to serve as the foundational technical authority for their Product Development team. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise in case goods and upholstered furniture, with a comprehensive understanding of raw materials, costing, and manufacturing constraints. If you are a technical leader who enjoys building systems, standardizing processes, and guiding cross-functional teams, this role is for you!

Please note that this is an ongoing W2 contract with fluctuating hours.

Responsibilities:
Technical Design & Engineering

• Establish Blueprint Standards: Translate design concepts into detailed, production-ready technical drawings, 3D models, and comprehensive spec sheets.
• Define Product Specifications: Dictate exact ergonomic and industry measurements (e.g., precise seat depth/height, arm/leg proportions, clearance, and weight thresholds).
• Material & Component Selection: Specify appropriate wood species, engineered woods, finishes, hardware, seat cushion fills (down, foam, pocket coils), and internal spring systems (eight-way hand-tied, sinuous, etc.).

Process Standardization & Guidance

• Build the Blueprint: Create and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality standards, and design guidelines for the internal team to follow.
• Internal Mentorship: Act as the internal "source of truth" and subject matter expert, educating the broader team on wood characteristics, finishing techniques, and production intricacies.
• Cost Optimization: Analyze designs for manufacturing efficiency (DFM) to optimize production costs, material yields, and logistics without sacrificing design integrity.

Vendor & Supply Chain Collaboration

• Sourcing & Procurement Support: Guide the purchasing team on technical requirements, vendor capabilities, and raw material evaluation.
• Prototype Review: Oversee the sample and prototyping phase, identifying structural flaws or manufacturing bottlenecks, and providing actionable feedback to factories.

Qualifications:

• Industry Expertise: 5-7+ years of hands-on experience in furniture engineering, technical design, or product development specializing in indoor furniture.
• Deep Product Knowledge: Proven track record working with both case goods (wood construction, joinery, veneering) and upholstered furniture (frames, suspension, foam/fill densities, fabric application).
• Technical Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino, or Fusion 360).
• Manufacturing Acumen: Strong understanding of furniture manufacturing processes, global sourcing, costing structures, and international quality standards.

Nice-to-Have (Bonus):

• Lighting Experience: Knowledge of lighting design, electrical components, UL/CE certification processes, and integration of lighting into case goods or standalone fixtures.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Cella, a Randstad digital company, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Cella by Randstad digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.