Product Development Lab Technician

Broad Function and Objective:

Under direction of the Supervisor (Prototype Production) the technician devises and builds prototype mattress and foundation constructions and/or components for testing and evaluation. Analyses, advises, and recommends on product and production feasibility, economics of process, and manufacturing or product enhancements.

Tempur Sealy is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Operate manual, semi-automatic and computer controlled quilting and sewing equipment for manufacture of prototype mattresses and foundations and their associated components.
• Operate various manual and semi-automatic tools used in the manufacture and assembly of mattresses, foundations and their associated components.
• Support function for Designers and Cover Launch Manager in making prototypes, master covers and covers that support the work on the specifications.
• Modify mattress and foundation constructions and their associated components as necessary to produce required product prototype designs.
• Recommend changes to product, materials and processes to enhance manufacture.
• Advise on feasibility, enhancements and economics of proposed product manufacturing techniques.
• Produce components, assemble complete prototypes, and determine and report on the best method of assembly.
• Participate in product teardowns and record details of construction and component characteristics for further analysis.
• Participate with other Research and Development functions where warranted to facilitate new product and process development.
• Assist in plant equipment evaluation and selection when warranted for major installations.
• Strong sewing skills (prefer industrial sewing machine experience)
• Pattern making skills including flat pattern method and draping are required.
• Good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination
• Proficiency in cutting materials according to patterns, and setting up and operating a sewing machine, is required for this job.
• Competency in fixing minor problems related to stitching and use mechanical abilities to adjust controls that regulate speed, thread tension and dimensions for pleats, tucks and gathers.
• Manual dexterity is needed to manipulate materials through the sewing process.
• Deal with routine assigned chores consistent with daily Research Center operation including shipping, receiving, equipment maintenance, meeting setup and cleanup.
• Complete all other projects as assigned by supervisor.

Salary Range: $44,000-$62,000

Minimum Qualifications Required for This Position:

Education

• Technical school graduate or equivalent experience in mattress/foundation manufacture.

Experience

• 2 years experience in bedding or associated industry.
• Basic skills in operation of sewing equipment and/or bedding assembly techniques.
• Demonstrated proficiency in communicating technical ideas through oral and/or written reports.
• Able to effectively translate component measurements to recorded data for further analysis.