Seat Trim Engineer

Responsibilities

• Build and Prototype Seat Trim:
  Cut, sew, wrap, and assemble high-quality trim covers for cushions, seat backs, headrests, armrests, and full seat systems.
• Hands-On Craftsmanship & Quality:
  Perform detailed fit checks, tension adjustments, stitching evaluations, and surface inspections.
• Support Testing and Validation:
  Assemble seats for durability, wear, environmental, and crash testing.
• Contribute to Engineering & Design:
  Use your practical experience to provide real-world feedback on patterns, material choices, and assembly methods.
• Material & Process Experimentation:
  Help evaluate new fabrics, foams, stitching techniques, and automation opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner closely with design/styling, seat engineers, manufacturing teams, and program managers.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Proactively suggest and help implement changes that make builds faster, cleaner, or higher quality.
• Documentation & Organization:
  Maintain accurate build records, patterns, BOMs, and test notes.
• Design and Develop Seat Trim Components:
  Create and optimize 2D flat patterns, 3D trim covers, and soft trim designs for seat cushions, backs, headrests, armrests, and related components using CAD tools and pattern-making software.
• Material Selection and Sourcing:
  Evaluate, select, and qualify fabrics, leathers, vinyl, foams, and other trim materials in collaboration with suppliers, balancing durability, appearance, cost, comfort, and regulatory compliance.
• Prototype and Build Seats:
  Cut, sew, assemble, and install trim covers onto seat frames, foams, and substrates.
• Release and Validate Designs:
  Define component specifications, interface documents, and requirements.
• Craftsmanship and Quality Assurance:
  Conduct hands‑on inspections for wrinkles, tension, alignment, stitching quality, and overall seat appearance.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally:
  Work closely with styling, engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and program teams.
• Process Improvement:
  Support industrialization efforts, including sewing processes, automated cutting, and assembly methods.
• Documentation and Compliance:
  Maintain accurate drawings, patterns, bills of materials (BOMs), and test reports.

• Associate degree of Science/Applied Science (AAS) in Automotive Technology or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience designing and developing seat trim components.
• 3+ years of experience using 3D CAD and trim software collaboratively (Catia V5/V6, 3DX, Optitex, Master trim etc.)
• Experience in the production release process.
• Experience in a factory setting launching a new product.
• B.S. in Mechanical, or Industrial, or Materials, or Automotive Engineering (Preferred but not essential).
• Proficiency in CAD Dassault Systems 3DX CATIA for 3D modeling and design.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and regulations.
• Understanding of ergonomics and human factors in seating design.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality solutions.
• Previous experience in the automotive industry or with seating systems is preferred but not mandatory.