CMF Engineer

Job Overview

We are currently looking for a CMF Materials Engineer to join our team in Holland, MI.

Partner with CMF leadership, Engineering, and cross-functional teams to develop, evaluate and approval material solutions across the product portfolio. This role serves as the subject matter expert for material performance in highuse commercial applications, ensuring materials meet aesthetic, performance, cost, manufacturability, warranty, and lifecycle requirements. The CMF Materials executes the creation of specific material test plans and processes, partners cross functionally from concept through production, and serves as the technical authority for assigned materials while maintaining oversight of additional materials as required.

• Primary accountability for textiles.
• Textile applications including upholstery, panels, screens and soft architectural applications.
• Travel to suppliers, testing labs, manufacturing sites, and customer locations as needed.
• Partner with CMF leadership and Engineering in the technical development of assigned materials across textiles, polymers, wood, metals, coatings, and surface finishes.
• Review material submissions to ensure they are viable, repeatable, and scalable material solutions aligned with brand, product architecture, and platform strategies.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for textile performance in high use commercial environments.
• Balance aesthetics, performance, cost, manufacturability, warranty, and lifecycle considerations in material selection and approval decisions.
• Develop application specific material test plans; define standards, acceptance criteria, and make data driven risk and approval recommendations.
• Support material development from concept through production readiness and launch, including sample reviews, pilot builds, and integration with engineering and global partners.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing, and suppliers to ensure material repeatability, color consistency, compliance, and issue resolution at scale.
• Maintain CMF standards, specifications, documentation, and systems while clearly communicating material risks, tradeoffs, and performance guidance cross functionally.
• Must be able to perform all essential job functions with/without accommodation.
• Uses office automation, communication, software, and tools used in Haworth office environment.
• Performs other duties within scope as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Textiles, Materials Science, Engineering, Industrial Design, or similar field.
• 2 years experience in CMF Engineering, Textile Development/Engineering, Material Development, Textile Designs, Product Validation, or similar.
• Applicants must be able to work in Holland, MI without relocation assistance.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted right to work in the US to be eligible for this position.
• Education Equivalency:
  Associate's Degree plus 2 years related experience OR 4 years related experience if no post-secondary education.
• Military Equivalency extmove.org/vets/find/military.

• 3+ years experience in CMF Engineering, Textile Development/Engineering, Material Development, Textile Designs, Product Validation, or similar.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience using SAP or other ERP system.
• Experience using CAD.
Experience using Exact Flat.
• Hands on expertise in textile materials for commercial or high use environments.
• Experience developing and executing application specific material test plans.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, quality, and scaling challenges in contract furniture or similar industries.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot material and performance issues.