IKEA hiring full-time 3D printing expert for prototyping lab | VoxelMatters - The heart of additive manufacturing

Furniture and homeware giant IKEA is looking to hire a prototype engineer with expertise in 3D printing. The full-time position, which will be based at the IKEA prototype shop in Älmhult, Sweden, will play a key role in facilitating the development of IKEA’s global product range by using industrial polymer additive manufacturing for prototyping.

The IKEA prototype shop is based in Älmhult, where the very first IKEA showroom opened in 1958 and the company’s current headquarters are based. While IKEA has been developing products there for decades, the use of 3D printing in its operations is far more recent. The company reportedly started 3D printing in 2013 with the same aim as many other adopters of the technology at the time: to accelerate product development and streamline prototyping processes.

Now, IKEA of Sweden is hiring a full-time workshop engineer to focus on industrial 3D printing at the prototyping facility to work alongside other production and prototyping specialists and technologies like CNC machines, laser cutters and more. Perhaps you could be a good fit for the role or know someone who would be a great candidate?

IKEA writes in the job posting: “We are looking for you who have the curiosity built into your hands. You have the drive to always try and figure how things are designed, and then an urge to come up with a solution even better. You are probably a practical Technician in the beginning of your career, but you have already started to build up specialist knowledge within technology and materials.”

In terms of the job description, the company describes a role focused on 3D printing prototypes using industrial polymer 3D printers. “You will contribute by bringing knowledge and skills regarding construction, material and production into the process. Designers and Engineers will work together with you about how to realize products and technical solutions during the development.”

Required skills for the position include knowledge of tools, machinery and equipment; CAD and digital design capabilities; experience working in a manufacturing environment; and fluency in English. IKEA adds that their ideal candidate is someone that has a “deep and genuine technical interest but [is] looking for [the] next step where you will make a real impact for the many people, building on your interest in business and keeping the customer in focus.”

Applications for the full-time workshop engineer position should be submitted by September 20, 2024. You can find more details about the application submission process on IKEA’s website.