Relocation Support Available.
This organization is a recognized leader in the automotive interior and seating industry, specializing in premium leather seating systems and customized vehicle interiors. With decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality craftsmanship, innovative design solutions, and OEM-aligned performance standards.
Operating at the intersection of OEM integration and aftermarket customization, the company partners with major automotive manufacturers, dealerships, and specialty programs to transform vehicle interiors through precision-engineered leather trim systems. Their solutions are designed to meet or exceed factory specifications, combining durability, aesthetics, and functionality.
With thousands of vehicle applications and a strong installation network, the organization supports both high-volume production programs and unique customization projects, offering engineers the opportunity to work on technically challenging and visually impactful products.
The Seat Trim / Installation Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring fit, finish, and craftsmanship excellence for automotive seating systems. This position focuses on hands-on installation, validation, and continuous improvement of leather seat covers within OEM and customization programs.
This is a highly technical, application-focused role designed for engineers who enjoy bridging design intent with real-world execution, working closely with manufacturing teams and OEM customers to resolve issues and deliver premium seating solutions.
- Lead and support the installation and validation of leather seat covers across prototype and production builds.
- Ensure compliance with OEM engineering standards, craftsmanship targets, and manufacturing processes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, manufacturing, quality, and customer teams to achieve optimal fit and finish.
- Analyze seat trim components including patterns, sewing lines, attachment methods, and material behavior.
- Diagnose and resolve fit, appearance, and assembly issues (wrinkles, puckering, looseness, etc.).
- Develop and refine installation procedures, work instructions, and best practices.
- Support compatibility with integrated systems such as:
- Side airbags.
- Seat heating and ventilation systems.
- Occupancy sensors.
- Seat mechanisms.
- Participate in DV/PV builds, craftsmanship reviews, and production launches.
- Provide technical support to OEM customers, focusing on problem-solving and implementation.
- Drive continuous improvement in installation efficiency, product quality, and craftsmanship standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field.
- 3–5+ years of experience in automotive seating systems (OEM or Tier 1).
- Strong understanding of:
- Seat trim systems (mechanical, electrical, and integration aspects).
- Leather seat cover installation and performance.
- Attachment methods (hog rings, J-clips, listing wires, retainers, etc.).
- Fit & finish and craftsmanship standards.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD data.
- Experience supporting prototype builds and production launches.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Effective communication skills with ability to interface directly with OEM customers.
- English proficiency (technical communication required).
- Willingness to travel (~20%).
- Valid visa required.
- Experience with interior systems fitment and validation.
- Familiarity with DFMEA, GD&T, APQP, PPAP.
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., CATIA, NX).
- Background in craftsmanship evaluation and appearance quality.
- Knowledge of automotive safety requirements related to seating systems.
- Hands-on involvement in vehicle launches or pilot builds.
- Exposure to both OEM programs and custom vehicle interior projects.
- Opportunity to work on high-visibility builds involving premium interior transformations.
- Hands-on involvement in real-world problem solving at the vehicle level.
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and customer environments.
- A role designed for engineers who want to grow beyond design into applied engineering and execution.
- Hybrid exposure to manufacturing plants, prototype builds, and customer sites.
- Collaboration with U.S.-based engineering and customer teams.
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, technically strong engineer who thrives in dynamic environments where design meets execution.
This individual is comfortable working on the shop floor, interacting directly with customers, and taking ownership of fit, finish, and overall product quality. They are detail-oriented, proactive, and motivated to continuously improve both product and process performance.
