R&D Technician

R&D Technician

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Date:May 7, 2026

Location: Carthage, MO, US

Company: Leggett & Platt

We make life more comfortable.

Leggett & Platt’s overall mission is a commitment to enhance lives – by delivering quality products, offering empowering and rewarding careers, and doing our part in bringing about a better future.

Leggett & Platt’s inventive heritage and leadership in the residential products industry span more than 130 years. AsThe Components People, we are the leading supplier of a wide range of products and components for all areas of life, including mattress springs and carpet cushion, as well as bedding machinery and erosion-control products.

Leggett & Platt’s inventive heritage and leadership span more than 130 years. Leggett & Platt has divisions that design, manufacture, and sell a variety of products for all areas of life. Our reliable product development and launch capability, coupled with our global footprint, make us a trusted partner for customers in the automotive, furniture, hydraulic cylinders, flooring, textile and geo components industries.

Learn more about the history of Leggett & Platt:

Bedding

The world leader in bedding technology.

Leggett & Platt has been the driving force in bedding components technology since inventing the bedspring in 1885. Now, we own more mattress industry patents than anyone in the world.

Springs, foam, adjustable beds, machinery – our Bedding businesses design, produce, and supply innovative sleep solutions that help you rest comfortably.

Learn more about Bedding Components:L&P Bedding Group (

Leggett & Platt, Incorporated is seeking anR&D Technicianfor its Adjustable Bed Group at the IDEA Center in Carthage, Missouri. The IDEA Center ( produces corporate innovations and supports Leggett & Platt businesses by strengthening their products capabilities. This position will report to the Product Development Shop Supervisor and will assist with various projects on the R&D shop floor.

Essential Responsibilities

• Fabricate parts to blueprint specifications using various machining, welding, and forming equipment

• Assist in building engineering prototypes, samples, test fixtures, and tooling

• Set up and perform testing for prototypes as well as prototype inspections and documentation

• Assemble and modify mechanical components from existing products

• Assist Project Engineers in performing tests of complete prototype or production units and components under operational conditions

• Upholster, prepare and stage finished products for internal meetings and external tradeshows

• Additional duties may include shipping and receiving, local delivery and warehouse operations

Requirements

• Operate forklifts, milling machines, manual lathes as well as MIG, TIG and Arc Welders

• Operate wood working tools including saws, drill presses and sanders

• High School diploma or GED

• Vocational training/certifications from an accredited learning institution in machining, fabrication, or equivalent experience

• Ability to use desktop PCs and Microsoft Suite

• Follow all safety protocols and ensure proper use of PPE during fabrication, assembly, and testing activities

• Experience with precision measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers, etc.)

• Ability to regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of various metal, wood, and plastic materials

• CNC wood router and tube/flat bending experience

• Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information to internal groups

• Displays original thinking and creativity, is resourceful and a problem-solver

• Shows accuracy and thoroughness with attention to detail

• Demonstrates initiative and willingness to help others

We offer a comprehensive benefits package. To include 401K, medical, dental, vision, discount stock purchase plan, employee discounts and more.

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.

Our Values

Our values speak to our shared beliefs, and describe how we approach working together.

• Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.

• Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth – good or bad.

• Do Great Work…Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.

• Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You

We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture, processes and practices promote equal opportunity for all. Join us!

We welcome and encourage all applicants to apply. We’d love the opportunity to consider you.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

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Nearest Major Market:Joplin Job Segment: R&D Engineer, MIG Welding, CNC, Fabrication, Machinist, Engineering, Manufacturing

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