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Trim Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Trim Engineer participates and is responsible for design, development, and implementation of Company's soft trim. This individual will also help plan, design, and direct Company ...

Summary The Trim Engineer participates and is responsible for design, development, and implementation of Company's soft trim. This individual will also help plan, design, and direct Company ...

Trim Engineer

Clinton, MI · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Summary 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 ...

SUMMARY The Trim Engineering Manager manages the trim design and processes for a seating business unit. Provides technical leadership, develops the technical skills and knowledge and provides ...

Mgr Trim Engineering

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The Trim Engineering Manager manages the trim design and processes for a seating business unit. Provides technical leadership, develops the technical skills and knowledge and provides technical ...

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 ...

The Trim Engineer leads the development of one or more trim programs, providing direction and follow up to staff and customer business units. Works closely with Principal Engineer or Chief Trim ...

SUMMARY The Senior Trim Engineering Manager manages the trim design and processes for a seating business unit. Provides technical leadership, develops the technical skills and knowledge and provides ...

Sr Mgr Trim Engineering

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Senior Trim Engineering Manager manages the trim design and processes for a seating business unit. Provides technical leadership, develops the technical skills and knowledge and provides ...

Sr Mgr Trim Engineering

Iowa, LA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Summary The Senior Trim Engineering Manager manages the trim design and processes for a seating business unit, providing technical leadership and direction to trim engineers and technicians. The role ...

Exterior Trim Engineer - (2 roles to fill very urgent) Location: Irvine, CA Responsibilities Design of automotive Exterior trim component in a DRE role * Develop and execute Exterior Trim system ...

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Trim Developer information

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How much do trim developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for trim developer in the United States is $16.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trim developer?

A Trim Developer is a professional in the fashion or garment industry who specializes in designing, sourcing, and developing trims—such as buttons, zippers, labels, and other decorative or functional garment components. They work closely with designers, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure trims meet quality, aesthetic, and cost requirements for apparel production. Trim Developers also manage technical specifications, timelines, and compliance standards to support the successful launch of new clothing lines.

How does a trim developer typically collaborate with design and manufacturing teams during product development?

As a Trim Developer, you will work closely with both design and manufacturing teams to ensure that aesthetic concepts for trims, such as buttons, zippers, and labels, are feasible for production and meet quality standards. This involves translating design sketches into technical specifications, sourcing appropriate materials, and addressing any manufacturability challenges that arise. Regular communication and problem-solving with designers and production staff are essential, especially when modifications are needed to balance creative intent with cost and production efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trim developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trim Developer, you need expertise in textile or fashion design, knowledge of trims and accessories, and often a relevant degree in fashion, textiles, or industrial design. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, and an understanding of material sourcing are typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication with suppliers and design teams are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality, innovative trims that align with brand vision and production standards, supporting successful apparel or product launches.

What is the difference between Trim Developer vs CAD Technician?

AspectTrim DeveloperCAD Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or degree in fashion design, apparel technology, or related fieldsUsually holds a diploma or certificate in CAD drafting or design
Work EnvironmentWorks in fashion or apparel companies, focusing on garment trims and detailsWorks in design studios or manufacturing settings, creating technical drawings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in fashion, apparel, and textile industriesUsed across various manufacturing and engineering industries

While both roles involve technical design skills, a Trim Developer specializes in developing garment trims and details within the fashion industry, whereas a CAD Technician focuses on creating technical drawings across multiple industries. The roles overlap in technical skills and software knowledge but differ in industry focus and specific responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Trim Developer jobs?

Cities with the most Trim Developer job openings:

What states have the most Trim Developer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trim Developer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Trim Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,384 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participate in the design, development, and implementation of the company's soft trim.

  • Support product and program execution by managing engineering specifications, guidelines, and requirements.

  • Create and maintain trim patterns, drawings, and related documentation, including trim BOMs and color matrices.


Job description

Summary

The Trim Engineer participates and is responsible for design, development, and implementation of Company's soft trim. This individual will also help plan, design, and direct Company's 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 Company's 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 Company's seating design, comfort and styling.
  • Understand Company's 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 Company's 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 Company's 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.
  • Company's 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 Company's 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


Education and/or Experience

  • 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


Communication Skills

  • 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


Computer Skills

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