Computer Aided Design Intern Jobs in La Crosse, WI

Who We Are:

At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world’s largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we’re more than a business — we’re a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.

If you’re ready to grow, you’ve come to the right place. With a true “Growth Mindset,” Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.

If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.

Summary:

The Product Engineer – Domestic Case Goods is responsible for full product engineering ownership throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial “GO” status through discontinuation. This role translates design concepts into fully engineered products by developing detailed drawings, mock-ups, bills of materials (BOMs), and production documentation. The Product Engineer ensures product performance aligns with cost, quality, and efficiency targets while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Own the end-to-end engineering process for domestic case goods products, from concept through production and discontinuation
• Develop and maintain detailed engineering drawings, solid models, and product specifications based on design concepts or preliminary drafts
• Create and manage Engineering Introduction Orders (EIOs), Bills of Materials (BOMs), and all supporting engineering documentation
• Ensure all product components are accurately itemized with a focus on cost efficiency and manufacturability
• Participate in mock-ups, first builds, and initial production runs; validate compliance with fabrication and assembly standards and implement necessary revisions
• Analyze product margins and identify cost reduction opportunities; present recommendations to leadership
• Troubleshoot design and engineering issues, identifying root causes related to fabrication or assembly challenges

Systems & Data Management

• Create and maintain Material Requirements Planning (MRP) data within Infor and other systems
• Manage engineering revisions through workflow tools and the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process to minimize disruption to manufacturing
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all engineering records, including BOMs, drawings, and customer service documentation
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, including ASTM and CPSC testing standards, prior to first production

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Design, Manufacturing, Fabrication, Assembly, Quality, and Purchasing teams
• Participate in meetings to provide technical insights, procedural guidance, and engineering solutions to improve processes and product performance
• Communicate specifications and technical requirements to internal teams and external partners as needed

Continuous Improvement & Development

• Lead and support product improvement initiatives, product testing, and standardization of components, tooling, and processes
• Stay current with engineering technologies, software updates, and manufacturing methodologies
• Provide training and guidance to team members and cross-functional partners on engineering processes and systems

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date product knowledge data, customer instructions, and engineering documentation across systems (e.g., AIS, SharePoint)
• Support departmental initiatives, training, and knowledge sharing; serve as a backup resource when needed
• Demonstrate company core values in all job functions
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred
• 0-2 years of experience in furniture manufacturing or case goods engineering strongly preferred
• Proficiency in CAD software and MRP/ERP systems (Infor experience a plus)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects with limited supervision

Work Environment:

This position is located in an active industrial manufacturing and distribution center with moderate to high noise levels, temperature variations, and material handling equipment in operation. The role may require extended periods of standing or walking on concrete floors and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed boots. The fast-paced environment involves time-sensitive and safety sensitive operations and may include various shift schedules to support production and distribution needs.

Benefits We Offer:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance

Our Core Values:

• Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.

• (Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.

• Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.

• Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.

• Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.

• Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture’s Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:

Corporate Social Responsibility

View Our Corporate Brochure

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.

* Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.