Fabric Research Development Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Apply manufacturing disciplines to the development of soft trim concepts, components, and assemblies. Oversee the release of trim patterns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Full understanding of WI-060 (Craftsmanship Review Process) and WI-287 (Trim Development and Release).
• Oversee and finalizes the release of all trim patterns for production to meet customer craftsmanship and expectations, including but not limited to nomenclature, drawings, PLM, (Bill of Materials - BOM), Critical To Quality, sew sequence and the digital NC data required to produce these covers.
• Ensure designs are manufacturable and assist with production feasibility studies including working with manufacturing team to validate designs.
• Assist engineering and manufacturing with problem resolution including working with JIT and Sew plants to identify root cause and implement corrective actions.
• Create master patterns to be used by the design group for drawing release either digitally or manually.
• Read and interpret molded foam, trim cover and seat component drawings, as required.
• Modify foam pads, covers, and interior trim components from drawings, work orders or as required.
• Modify release data digitally for VE/VA and manufacturing updates.
• Verify seat contour via the fabrication of templates and/or scanning
• Develop, install and evaluate prototype seating components as part of the development process.
• Operate sewing machines, foam skiving tools, digital cutting table, digitizing equipment and various power tools for fabrication as part of the trim development process.
• Consult with engineering and manufacturing groups during development to support manufacturing feasibility.
• Perform Layout and Cutting of Fabric/Leather/Vinyl, Foam and Foundation Patterns as well as Assembly of all related Components (in manual & machine cut process)
• Maintain working knowledge of all parts required to build and/or tear down Seat Complete Assembly.
• Assist with obtaining materials, components etc. for development.
• Teardown and build seats as required.
• Maintain Good Housekeeping of the area
• Ensures adherence to company, departmental and health and safety systems and policies to meet legislative requirements.
• Perform preventative maintenance, pre-start inspections, and verification of equipment utilizing established procedures, as directed.
• Supports Internal / External Audit efforts regarding ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949 Certification for remote site location (Group Office).
• Supports the requirements as detailed in Standard Operating Procedure 8000 (Quality Management System).
• Ensure employees work in the manner consistent with the organizations established objectives and targets utilizing protective equipment, devices, measures, and procedures as promulgated by state and federal regulations. Establish clear goals for workplace health and safety. Complete safety talks, safety meetings, and required training occur, as defined.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability and/or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

High School diploma or GED.

Experience/Special Knowledge/Skills

Minimum 3 years of directly related experience to include demonstrated performance with the development of components, from initial drawing to completion.

Knowledge of sewing assembly (e.g. cut seams, notch locations, seam allowances).

Demonstrated blue print reading skills.

Direct experience with foam skiving and fabrication of templates using power tools (e.g. hand saw, circular saw, band saw, drill).

Basic drafting skills.

Basic computer skills including ability to demonstrate basic skills in Accumark or similar software.

Manufacturing process and equipment knowledge.

Familiarity with fabric/materials qualities (e.g. nap) and the ability to provide recommendations based on component design.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated successful performance with independent problem solving.

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.