Product Engineer

Koala is a global furniture brand bringing Australian design and innovation to the world. We create forward-thinking products that solve problems for people and homes everywhere, driven by our purpose to make the world a more comfortable place.

We’ve always believed in doing things differently, whether in the way we develop products, how we do people and culture, or the way we bring the brand to life. That mindset has fuelled our growth, helping us disrupt categories in ways that are creative, bold and often unexpected. While we’re a household name in Australia, our journey on the global stage is only just beginning.

Since launching in 2015, our furniture has reached homes across Australia, Japan, the US and the UK. As a B Corp-certified, customer-obsessed, and data-led company, we’re committed to revolutionising furniture for generations to come through design, innovation, and meaningful sustainability.

Role Description

Koala is a leader in creating exceptionally comfortable products, thanks to our team of highly skilled engineers and designers. We partner with top-tier suppliers to bring our innovative designs to life, ensuring every product meets the highest standards. The Product Engineer will be a crucial link in this process, ensuring product compliance during pre-production and helping to turn our groundbreaking designs into a tangible reality.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Production Engineering Manager, the Product Engineer will be responsible for supporting the execution of key tasks and responsibilities, including:

• Carry out product optimization projects to improve customer experience and save costs through smart design and close collaboration with suppliers

• Analyse production performance and identify improvement opportunities

• Continuously look for product design improvement opportunities including material selection, material utilization, manufacturing efficiency, and clever design

• Creating necessary product documentation for product improvement projects and rolling out changes into production.

• Supporting the product teams with technical problem-solving and continuously sharing learnings to feed into new product development.

• Perform product inspections at suppliers and provide reports based on findings

• Leading root cause analysis and risk mitigation exercises like FMEA, along with preventative and corrective actions.

• Conducting critical-to-quality (CTQ) analysis for all new products.

• Providing training to suppliers on production and quality risks.

• Liaising with cross-functional teams (QC, Engineering, and Product Management) to collaborate on key outcomes and findings.

• Communicating effectively with key stakeholders, including detailing the rationale behind decisions, maintaining detailed records, and resolving issues during the product implementation phase.

• Collaborating product managers to ensure the successful and timely completion of assigned product development projects.

Flexibility is key

• You will also be expected to take on tasks and projects outside this core scope as needed to support broader business goals.

Ideal background…

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a passion for problem-solving. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• Experience:

  • 3-5 years of experience in design engineering, supplier quality, production engineering, and/or product development, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in high-volume manufacturing.

  • Proven experience in performing production and product audits at suppliers.

  • Experience with product development processes (PDP) from conception to launch.

  • A background in consumer products and user-centric design is highly desirable.

• Technical Skills:

  • Advanced knowledge of CAD software (We use Solidworks).

  • Knowledge of manufacturing operations and product quality principles.

  • Experience with risk assessments and implementing containment and corrective actions.

  • Knowledge of PLM systems operations is desirable

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

  • Strong curiosity & ambition, enjoy problem solving.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of professionalism.

  • A team-player with a positive and supportive attitude.

  • Sincere humbleness, a willingness to learn, and drive for continuous improvement

  • The ability to work with overseas suppliers and effectively bridge communication barriers.

• Travel and Language:

  • Comfortable with regular travel to China (up to 30%).

  • The ability to speak Mandarin is a significant benefit.

Treehouse Perks and Privileges

Koala is only great when its employees are happy — and we’re one happy bunch!

• Hybrid working - We’re mixing it up with ~3 days back in the Alexandria Treehouse (office) and work from bed/home (WFB)

• Take a break - Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave and more to help keep your work-life balance, balanced.

  Treehouse goods - Fully stocked kitchen with an emphasis on healthy local produce, think bougie brekky, salad bar, kombucha on tap, monthly barbies and more.

• 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.

• 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 recognise 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.