Upholstery Subject Matter Expert; SME

Bring Your Upholstery Expertise to a Growing Boat Manufacturing Operation!

Boater's World Manufacturing Group is seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Upholstery Subject Matter Expert (SME) to help develop, support, and improve our upholstery manufacturing operations in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

This position is designed for an accomplished upholstery professional who brings extensive hands-on experience in upholstery design, fabrication, production processes, and automated manufacturing equipment.

We're looking for someone who understands the complete upholstery production process, from developing patterns and selecting materials to programming automated cutting equipment, coordinating embroidery designs, assembling components, and ensuring consistent finished quality.

The ideal candidate may have previously owned or operated an upholstery shop, managed a specialized upholstery production operation, or served as a senior technical expert responsible for upholstery design and manufacturing processes.

This individual will serve as a technical resource for our Upholstery Department, helping establish production standards, develop efficient manufacturing methods, troubleshoot complex issues, and train employees in proper upholstery techniques.

Experience with automated foam cutting, upholstery material cutting, and embroidery programming is particularly important for this position.

Previous marine upholstery experience is strongly preferred; however, candidates with extensive technical experience in automotive, furniture, RV, or other specialized upholstery manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

Upholstery Design & Technical Development

• Serve as the primary technical resource for upholstery design, fabrication, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop upholstery patterns, templates, layouts, and production specifications for marine seating, cushions, and interior components.
• Translate upholstery designs and measurements into accurate production instructions.
• Develop and refine patterns for vinyl, fabric, foam, and other upholstery materials.
• Determine appropriate material dimensions, seam allowances, cutting requirements, and assembly methods.
• Evaluate upholstery designs for manufacturability, material efficiency, fit, appearance, and durability.
• Work with Engineering, Production, and Assembly teams to ensure upholstery components meet design and installation requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve upholstery construction methods, fitment, and finished appearance.
• Assist with developing new upholstery components and refining existing designs.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, patterns, templates, and production specifications.

Automated Cutting & Machine Programming

• Develop and maintain machine cutting instructions for foam, vinyl, fabric, and other upholstery materials.
• Create or modify digital cutting patterns and layouts for automated upholstery cutting equipment.
• Translate measurements, drawings, and upholstery patterns into machine-readable production instructions.
• Set up, adjust, and troubleshoot automated cutting equipment as needed.
• Ensure cutting programs produce accurate, repeatable components that meet established specifications.
• Optimize cutting layouts to reduce material waste and improve production efficiency.
• Verify machine settings, cutting dimensions, and finished material accuracy.
• Identify and resolve issues involving inaccurate cuts, material alignment, or equipment programming.
• Work with equipment operators to establish consistent cutting procedures.
• Maintain organized records of cutting programs, patterns, and revisions.

Embroidery Design & Programming

• Develop and coordinate embroidery designs used on…