Automotive Prototype Trim Designer

Ford Motor Company; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 74,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Parental leave

Vehicle discount

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Ford Motor Company is Hiring a Prototype Trim Developer in Dearborn, MI to translate concepts into functional high‑fidelity prototypes for the next generation of Ford and Lincoln vehicle content. You’ll work with design and engineering teams to ensure feasible trim solutions within prototype manufacturing constraints.

The role requires deep automotive systems knowledge, creative thinking, and strong pattern/trim development skills, with a focus on rapid iteration and collaborative prototyping.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 4+ years in automotive trim development.
• 4+ years sewing on industrial machinery.
• 4+ years 2D pattern software experience.
• 3+ years collaborating with design and engineering.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator to prep files.

Responsibilities

• Sew on production sewing machines including walking foot, lock stitch, overcasting and pedestal.
• Develop patterns for soft and hard trim (seats, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel, flooring).
• Digitize and refine patterns in 2D software (Accumark, Tukatech).
• Wrap hard parts, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel, flooring aligning to design intent.
• Develop, plan and execute foam/structure modifications for late changes; operate digital cutter (Zund) and embroidery machines.
• Provide input to prototype build timing plans ensuring on-time delivery and quality.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, and fabrication to build prototypes per design intent.

Skills

Automotive trim dev

Industrial sewing

Pattern software

Digital cutting

Adobe Illustrator

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Fast-paced

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Accumark

Tukatech

Zund cutter

Embroidery machines

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Ford Motor Company is Hiring a Prototype Trim Developer in Dearborn, MI to translate concepts into functional high‑fidelity prototypes for the next generation of Ford and Lincoln vehicle content. You’ll work with design and engineering teams to ensure feasible trim solutions within prototype manufacturing constraints.

The role requires deep automotive systems knowledge, creative thinking, and strong pattern/trim development skills, with a focus on rapid iteration and collaborative prototyping.