Seat Trim Development Engineer III

About this position

Job Summary

The Seat Trim Development Engineer III leads the development of upholstery patterns and fabrication processes for upholstered furniture products. This senior individual-contributor role manages pattern development from concept through production launch, ensuring accuracy, comfort, structural integrity, manufacturability, quality, and aesthetic standards. The position also establishes patternmaking standards, oversees prototypes, and collaborates with Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing teams to resolve technical challenges and improve production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish pattern development standards, workflows, best practices, and documentation.
• Lead upholstery pattern development during new product introduction to meet project timelines, quality, ergonomic, and aesthetic requirements.
• Review preliminary product designs and recommend Design for Manufacturing (DFM) improvements.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Design teams to refine foam shapes and densities for comfort, fit, and manufacturability.
• Review and approve patterns for structural integrity, ergonomic performance, and production feasibility.
• Translate design concepts, CAD drawings, and 3D models into accurate production-ready patterns.
• Use specialized software to convert complex 3D surfaces into 2D patterns and sewing documentation.
• Oversee prototype builds and resolve issues involving foam, seams, fabric tension, and upholstery construction.
• Recommend construction improvements to enhance fabric placement and reduce production variability.
• Maintain technical documentation covering prototype challenges and improvement recommendations.
• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex patternmaking issues.
• Use digital patterning, nesting, and grading tools integrated with automated cutting systems.
• Identify cost-reduction and process-optimization opportunities while maintaining product quality.
• Manage bills of materials (BOMs), engineering revisions, and technical documentation through PLM/PDM systems.
• Develop and maintain upholstery and patternmaking standards.

Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of upholstery patternmaking and fabrication experience, including cut, molded, and over-molded foam applications.
• Hands-on experience with foam, muslin, vinyl, and other upholstery prototyping materials.
• Strong understanding of foam properties, including compression, spring-back, and adhesion.
• Experience developing and refining complex foam assemblies for consistency and manufacturability.
• Proficiency with industrial sewing machines, upholstery tools, and prototyping equipment.
• Advanced proficiency in at least one patternmaking software platform, such as Optitex, Gerber AccuMark, Lectra, or ExactFlat.
• Experience developing upholstered products from concept through production launch.
• Ability to interpret sketches, CAD drawings, and 3D models into production-ready patterns.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical certification in Patternmaking or equivalent.
• Experience working with U.S.-based consumer product companies.
• Familiarity with 3D patterning and visualization software, such as CLO, Browzwear, or NX Mastertrim.
• Knowledge of North American manufacturing and rapid prototyping workflows, particularly automotive trim.
• Experience with cost-reduction initiatives.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Location and commute

Buena Park, CA .

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3266419872.