Automotive Trim Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Trim Engineer participates and is responsible for design, development, and implementation of Performance Seats soft trim. This individual will also help plan, design, and direct Performance Seats engineering trim programs.

• Responsible for product /program execution of engineering specifications, guidelines, customer & industrial requirements, governmental regulations, customer expectations, etc.
• Understanding of TPDM (Trim Product Data Management) or Equivalent, for all Program ID's, Sewing Components/Materials and miscellaneous. Trim BOM Creation and Color Matrix Maintenance/Updates.
• Knowledgeable in Optitex PDS patterning or Equivalent and Marker creation.
• Work closely with OEM design studios to ensure Performance Seats design/styling themes and specifications are met.
• Order and manage - including inventory - soft trim development materials for all programs and sample shop equipment and tools.
• Phase 1 support: provide initial costing analysis & quoting support of the soft trim components and sub-assemblies. Participate to help define requirements to meet SOW, engineering deliverables, project timing, project team support, and necessary budget.
• Support foam A-Surface design & development to meet Performance Seats seating design, comfort and styling.
• Understand Performance Seats design specifications, DNA, and philosophy.
• Review all design information and drawings - inputs - to verify completeness to meet project tasks and deliverables - outputs.
• Responsible to create and maintain trim DFMEA, DVP&R, and other related APQP /PAP documents.
• Maintain sew specifications and appearance guidelines for all Performance Seats cut & sew soft trim parts and assemblies.
• Responsible for product execution of engineering specifications, guidelines, customer & industrial requirements, governmental regulations, customer expectations, etc.
• Develop bill of materials (prototype & production), tooling requirements, determine internal and external project specifications, understand legal and regulatory requirements.
• Responsible to create and release trim cover drawings, paper and digitized pattern development. Perform basic to complex automotive cut & sew construction techniques ensuring Performance Seats sew standards, methods, and themes; Selection of top cover materials and identify appropriate lamination, retainer & attachment strategy.
• Determine material usage, scrap rates and trim cover bill of materials.
• Support manufacturing engineers in sewing process and sewing layout.
• Support: Troubleshooting & problem resolution per complaint management process.
• Document / support styling properties and concept trim cover development; Seat measurements (including H' Point) and reporting /Test sample build coordination.
• Performance Seats fitments / applications: 1-off-installation & measurement support / Benchmarking & teardown.
• Embroidery - Logo development.
• Manufacturing feasibility, support production + supplier training and auditing
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to maintain current knowledge within the field to meet required compliance and regulatory job requirements
• Adhere to all Health, Safety and Environmental standards and procedures. Participate in investigations and 8D process as needed.
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses and accidents. Report hazardous, unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
• Understands, supports, and contributes to Performance Seats Total Quality Management, Quality (ISO/TS 16949), and Environmental Management (ISO14000) Systems by following approved policies and procedures.
• Trim engineering phase deliverables include:
  • Trim Development timing (define trim freeze dates)
  • Trim eBOM (include preliminary usage and utilization rates)
  • Trim Patterns (creation and development)
  • Master Appearance Samples (seat complete & master covers)
  • Trim Patterns /Drawings
  • Trim CSO
  • Trim Specifications /Requirements
  • Retainer /Attachment Concept

• 4-year degree Trim Engineering, Materials Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• 6 Years of trim engineering experience preferred
• Knowledge and practical application with Foam Skiving and A' surface management. Ensure comfort, design intent, and manufacturability experience preferred /Paper and digitized pattern development
• Basic knowledge of hand tools used to assemble seat complete.
• Knowledge and practical application of Automotive Cut & Sew construction techniques, Materials and Lamination selection, retainer and proper attachment methods.
• Familiar with DVP&R, DFMEA, DFM/A, 8-D, APQP, PPAP, Benchmarking, VA/VE, GD&T, AutoCad, CATIA V5
• Familiar with ISO/TS16949 quality & ISO 14000 requirements and procedures.
• Familiar with 5S processes and reporting requirements
• Travel as needed
• Must perform a sew test onsite during onsite interview

• Must demonstrate strong leadership and supervisory ability
• Must demonstrate strong verbal and written skills as well as the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees, customers, and management
• Strong ability to manage time effectively along with strong organizational and presentation skills

• Proficient knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, talk and hear along with frequent use of hands and fingers to reach, pull and grasp, frequent grasping and stooping throughout the day.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Visual acuity to read instructions, operate a computer, operate machinery, and inspect products produced.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Performance Seats Clinton Inc./ Performance Seats Spartanburg LLC will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).