Lead Seating Soft‑Trim and Pattern Engineering Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Location:

Hire type:

Shift:

What a launch week looks like

The seat line is ramping. You’re walking the build area, checking stitch quality and panel fit as supplier parts arrive. Hours earlier you closed out remaining DFMEA actions so tooling can be cut with confidence. By day’s end, craft issues are off the board, pattern updates are released from Optitex/Lectra, and cross‑functional partners in foam, materials, and manufacturing know exactly what’s next.

Where this role fits

These positions power seating programs from early development through launch and into steady‑state production. You’ll provide technical leadership in soft trim and materials, solve problems tied to craftsmanship and supplier performance, and ensure flawless seat build execution.

Open opportunity

• Senior / Lead Trim Materials Engineer

Two career tracks, one mission Trim Engineering Manager track

• Own soft‑trim development across multiple seating programs.
• Drive pattern creation and optimization using tools such as Optitex or Lectra.
• Lead DFMEA and risk mitigation prior to tooling release.
• Guide seat build events and ensure launch readiness.
• Eliminate craftsmanship, fit, and appearance concerns.
• Collaborate closely with foam, materials, manufacturing, and supplier teams.

Materials Engineer track

• Lead materials engineering support across trim and complete seating systems.
• Execute rigorous root‑cause analysis and 8D/A3 problem solving.
• Partner with supplier quality to close plant‑level issues.
• Work hands‑on with cut & sew and seat build plants.
• Address warranty and field concerns while driving continuous improvement.
• Influence cost, quality, and manufacturability decisions.

What you bring

• 5–10+ years in automotive seating or interiors.
• Deep experience in trim and pattern development.
• Proficiency with Optitex, Lectra, or comparable solutions.
• Background in seat build, launch, and high‑volume production.
• Proven success partnering with suppliers and plant teams.
• Strong problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis capability.
• Hands‑on track record executing trim and pattern development.

Impact you’ll make

From the first prototype pattern to a showroom‑ready seat, your work ensures best‑in‑class fit, finish, and durability—delivered on time, on cost, and ready for production.