Seat Trim Engineer

The Seat Trim Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, and validation of seat trim components, materials, and assemblies. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seat trim systems meet performance, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements. The engineer will lead seat trim validation efforts, define material and craftsmanship standards, and collaborate with suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability and durability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure seat trim systems comply with performance, durability, safety, and aesthetic objectives.
• Serve as the regional single point of contact for seat trim engineering and validation activities.
• Develop and refine seat trim specifications, test procedures, and validation plans.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure material selection, manufacturing processes, and craftsmanship meet design requirements.
• Oversee validation testing of seat trim components and assemblies, including wear, durability, environmental, and safety tests.
• Identify and resolve issues related to trim fit, finish, durability, and performance.
• Support homologation and regulatory compliance efforts, including FMVSS and ECE requirements.
• Utilize Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) and Design Validation Plan and Report (DVP&R) methodologies to mitigate risks.
• Work closely with the design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement lessons learned and continuous improvements.
• Ensure compliance with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles in trim component designs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Textile Engineering, or a related degree field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in the automotive industry, with a focus on seat trim, soft materials, or interior components.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to work autonomously, excellent communication skills, positive attitude, willingness to learn, flexibility, and strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of seat trim materials, including textiles, leather, vinyl, and foam padding.
• Understanding of trim attachment methods, such as sewing, wrapping, adhesion, and fastening.
• Familiarity with seat trim craftsmanship, fit-and-finish standards, and manufacturability considerations.
• Experience in seat trim cover design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with FMVSS and ECE regulatory requirements for interior components.
• Working knowledge of GD&T principles and their application in trim design.
• Experience in global project management and leading cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in advanced CAD software such as NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
• Experience with pattern development and material cutting processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in seat trim cover design and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of sewing techniques, seam types, and stitch density for automotive seat trim.
• Knowledge of needle size requirements and thread specifications for different seat trim materials.
• Familiarity with ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, and alternative bonding methods for seat trim.
• Knowledge of trim cover tensioning techniques and attachment methods for achieving optimal fit and finish.
• Proficiency in MasterTrim software for seat cover pattern development and validation.