GENERAL PURPOSE

The Staff Sustainability Engineer leads enterprise-wide sustainability programs that drive measurable environmental impact across MillerKnoll's operations, supply chain, and product portfolio. This role applies chemistry and engineering principles to evaluate environmental impacts and influence sustainable product design through life cycle assessment tools and methodologies. You'll serve as a systems owner, strategic program leader, and external representative, guiding the adoption of innovative technologies and shaping sustainability strategy across the organization. This role provides technical leadership in sustainable design, chemical safety, and product stewardship, serving as a key resource for cross-functional teams including Innovation, New Product Development, and Supply Management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads the development and continuous improvement of sustainability processes, recommending enhancements to environmental assessment workflows.
• Applies advanced engineering and scientific expertise to evaluate materials, products, and processes for environmental impact and chemical safety.
• Independently solves complex sustainability challenges, including identifying safer alternatives, improving product stewardship, and supporting regulatory compliance.
• Integrates supply chain, value stream, and economic principles into sustainability recommendations to balance environmental performance with business objectives.
• Mentors and coaches other engineers and team members in sustainability principles, environmental assessment methods, and responsible design practices.
• Defines and completes sustainability-related tasks and projects with minimal oversight, demonstrating ownership and accountability.
• Identifies and drives opportunities for environmental improvements in products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Develops and applies innovative approaches to sustainability assessments, chemical evaluations, and design for environment initiatives.
• Communicates technical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, tailoring messaging for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Prepares and presents proposals for sustainability initiatives, including resource needs and budget estimates, using appropriate request and approval processes.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to support site and business objectives.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Build and lead cross-functional coalitions involving innovation, product development, EHS, operations, and supply management.
• Resolve complex technical and organizational challenges related to sustainability implementation.

External Engagement & Representation

• Represent MillerKnoll in industry coalitions, regulatory bodies, and sustainability partnerships.
• Communicate technical insights and program outcomes to external stakeholders and customers.

Mentorship & Capability Development

• Mentor engineers and contribute to team development and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

• Bachelors and/or masters degree in chemistry, engineering or related field.
• 6-10 years of experience in sustainability engineering or related field.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional program management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience with sustainability platforms and regulatory reporting tools.
• Ability to influence internal and external partners toward sustainability goals.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced chemical and engineering principles applied to sustainable manufacturing.
• Global environmental product regulations and sustainability frameworks (LEED, WELL, ISO 14040/44, ESG).
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools and environmental impact modeling.
• Systems thinking and enterprise data governance.
• Balance environmental and business objectives by understanding and communicating the financial outcomes of sustainability decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.