Koala’s mission is: Better furniture experiences, designed with the World in mind. Combining customer-centric products, a world-class technology and fulfilment platform, incredible customer service and social good; we are changing the way people buy and enjoy furniture to create happier, healthier habitats. Why we have this role Koala To support Koala’s key category—upholstery—and its future success, this role focuses on addressing complex technical and engineering challenges in innovation. The Upholstery Design Engineer will collaborate closely with Koala's internal designers, product management, and quality teams, as well as our external suppliers. This roles mission is to enhance product efficiency, elevate customer experience, and drive innovation within the Upholstery category. Requirements What key responsibilities does this role have Koala? Take leading technical responsibility for assigned projects, including material selection and specification, construction design and validation, with production friendly considerations. Responsible for packaging solutions on upholstery category products. Responsible for developing product documentation & specification both on upholstery frame and cover for suppliers to follow in production. Responsible for assembly instruction for upholstery category. Collaborate closely with Designers; resolve part design to ensure optimal user experience while constantly pushing to minimise part complexity and cost. Responsible for identifying and implementing engineering solution improvement opportunities within the upholstery category. Understand legal requirements (and relevant standards) and ensure product compliance. Collaborate with Quality teams to develop and implement in-house testing capabilities, encompassing lifecycle and other performance testing. Work with Product Managers/Developers to communicate the technical agenda with suppliers and other development partners. Assist the Furniture Engineer Leader in technical problem-solving. Support the Furniture Engineer Leader in effectively communicating with key stakeholders, including explaining design rationales and new design decisions, sourcing necessary information (internally and externally), and identifying, escalating, and resolving issues arising from the design process. Work closely with Designers and Product Managers/Developers to ensure timely success in assigned product development projects. Ideal background… Bachelor's degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Product Engineering, or a related field Advanced knowledge of CAD software (We use Solidworks) 3-5 years of experience in a design engineering or similar role, with exposure to high-volume manufacturing. Experience with consumer products and user centric design principals Strong curiosity and ambition; with a passion for problem-solving Team player with a supportive and positive attitude Experience in the following: Developing solutions to problems and obstacles that arise through product development and concept generation Resolving designs to a level suitable for production of components and assemblies through plastic injection moulding, extrusion, timber machining, and fabrication etc. Creating 3D models, drawings, specifications and technical documentation including QC/QA tolerance checks for production. Developing and producing prototypes for physical testing of specific component performance and product design performance elements. Designing and producing jigs and fixtures suitable for ad hoc or permanent life cycle testing Benefits Treehouse Perks and Privileges… Koala is only great when its employees are happy — and we’re one happy bunch WFB/Hybrid working - We’re mixing it up with a couple of days back in the Alexandria Treehouse (office) and work from bed/home (WFB); we want you to do your best work the way that works for you, including from anywhere on the globe (T&Cs apply) Take a break - Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave and more to help keep your work-life balance, balanced. Tuesday lunches, Monthly barbies, socials and stocked kitchen - With an emphasis on healthy, local and organic produce. Pet-friendly - The Koala Treehouse is as pet-friendly as they get Surprise & delight - The two-word combo at the core of everything we do. All Koalas can expect to enjoy free Koala products with ‘mates rates’ for your friends and fam. Support & wellbeing - Our employee experience respects and embraces all families, formed, found and evolving. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Program, which includes unlimited sessions for financial, work, relationship, family or wellbeing support. Accelerate your career - via our Learning Management platform Juno, as well as individual and team growth budgets and dedicated days. Short and long-term incentive plans ensure you benefit as Koala succeeds Community & connection - We believe that simply doing ‘no harm’ isn’t good enough So, how are we doing our part? BCorp Certified, WWF Partnership, volunteer days, a member of SoftLanding , 1% and so much more. All in all, the Koala Kommunity is a great place to hang out and belong to Koalities we look for… At Koala, we do things a little differently and we don’t shy away from the fact that we expect a lot from our employees We are ambitious. We are curious. We are selfless. We want you to challenge expectations, always look to make a difference and give us something different from the norm. We want people that bring great energy, that have a long-game focus and are always trying to find new angles and approaches to the way we work. We're a team full of entrepreneurial spirit and have a relentless focus on 'what's next' but while always reviewing 'what's been done' and learning, growing and adapting. We're confident, but NEVER arrogant and we adapt to change like Steve Smith under a short ball. Honesty and empathy drive everything we do, as well as a total focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations. So if you feel like this could be you well what the bloody hell are you waiting for? Drop us a line, and let's see what you've got ;) There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate, Koala is a place where everyone has opportunity. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day. We’re an equal opportunity employer, and recognize that a diverse workforce is crucial to our success as a business. To read more, check out our careers , LinkedIn , or the great work we do with Work180 .