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Soft Trim Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SummaryThe Trim Engineer participates and is responsible for design, development, and ... Order and manage - including inventory - soft trim development materials for all programs and ...

Supplies required information to, and interfaces directly with, Soft Trim Materials Engineering team to support trim material evaluation and issue resolution processes. * Understands and contributes ...

Hard Trim/Soft Trim engineering experience is mandatory. Must have plant launch experience with interior molded components such as hard trim, wrapped trim, plated and painted molded components.

Hard Trim/Soft Trim engineering experience is mandatory. Must have plant launch experience with interior molded components such as hard trim, wrapped trim, plated and painted molded components.

Hard Trim/Soft Trim engineering experience is mandatory. Must have plant launch experience with interior molded components such as hard trim, wrapped trim, plated and painted molded components.

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Fraser, MI ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Production - Soft Trim Manufacturing (Automotive) Status : Non-exempt Reports To: Production ... instructions and basic engineering drawings. * Ability to operate forklift * Self-starter ...

Design Release Engineer, Interior

Troy, MI ยท On-site

$38.25 - $43.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET ... Hands on experience in DFA and DFM evaluations for Soft Trim, Injection Molded Plastic, Metal, Gap ...

Set up, start, and adjust injection molding and soft trim manufacturing processes to meet ... Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical documents.

Set up, start, and adjust injection molding and soft trim manufacturing processes to meet ... Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical documents.

Set up, start, and adjust injection molding and soft trim manufacturing processes to meet ... Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical documents.

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Showing results 1-20

Soft Trim Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$27K

$83.5K

$111.1K

How much do soft trim engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for soft trim engineer in Michigan is $83,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $101,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the soft trim engineer position, and why are they important?

A Soft Trim Engineer should have an educational background in mechanical engineering or a related field, combined with strong knowledge of automotive interior components and materials. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or NX), materials testing standards, and quality control systems is highly valued, along with experience in prototype development. Outstanding attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills with cross-functional teams set top candidates apart. These skills and qualities ensure seamless design, development, and integration of soft trim components that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements in the automotive industry.

What is a soft trim engineer?

A Soft Trim Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing soft interior components of a vehicle, such as seat covers, carpets, door panels, headliners, and insulation materials. They work closely with material suppliers, design teams, and manufacturing units to ensure that the components meet durability, aesthetic, and regulatory standards. Their role involves selecting appropriate materials, optimizing cost and weight, and ensuring manufacturability while meeting quality and performance requirements.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a soft trim engineer in an automotive company?

Soft Trim Engineers typically spend their day collaborating with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to develop and refine automotive interior components like seats, headliners, carpets, and door trims. Their responsibilities include creating and reviewing CAD models, selecting appropriate materials and suppliers, participating in testing and validation of prototypes, and resolving any issues found during production trials. They may also attend meetings to coordinate design changes, ensure compliance with industry standards, and work closely with suppliers and other engineering disciplines. This role offers a dynamic mix of hands-on problem solving and teamwork, making each day both challenging and rewarding.

What are the most commonly searched types of Soft Trim Engineer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Soft Trim Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Soft Trim Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Soft Trim Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Soft Trim Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,495 per year, or $40.1 per hour.

Trim Engineer

Performance Seats

Clinton Township, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

SummaryThe 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. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 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, retainers, & 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 auditingEngage 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 CSOTrim Specifications /RequirementsRetainer /Attachment ConceptPerforms other duties as assigned Education and/or Experience 4-year degree Trim Engineering, Materials Engineering or Industrial Engineering.6 Years of trim engineering experience preferredKnowledge and practical application with Foam Skiving and A' surface management. Ensure comfort, design intent, and manufacturability experience preferred /Paper and digitized pattern developmentBasic 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 V5Familiar with ISO/TS16949 quality & ISO 14000 requirements and procedures.Familiar with 5S processes and reporting requirementsTravel as neededMust perform a sew test onsite during onsite interview Communication SkillsMust demonstrate strong leadership and supervisory abilityMust demonstrate strong verbal and written skills as well as the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees, customers, and managementStrong ability to manage time effectively along with strong organizational and presentation skills Computer Skills Proficient knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint Physical Demands 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.Work EnvironmentThe 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).