Automotive Prototype Trim Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision + prescription

Parental leave and caregiver support

Family building benefits

Vehicle discount program

Tuition assistance

Employee resource groups

Paid time off for community service

Generous vacation and holidays

Job summary

Ford Motor Company is seeking a Prototype Trim Developer in Dearborn, MI to translate concepts into functional high-fidelity prototypes and drive early-stage trim design across seats, IPs, door panels, consoles, and more. You’ll collaborate with design, engineering, and fabrication to realize the design intent while meeting program milestones.

The role requires deep automotive systems knowledge, 4+ years in trim development, and hands-on experience with sewing, 2D pattern software, and digital

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• 4+ years of experience in automotive trim development with a focus on rapid iterations.
• 4+ years of experience sewing on industrial machinery.
• 4+ years of experience working on 2D pattern development software.
• 4+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems.
• 3+ years of experience with digital cutting software and hardware.
• 3+ years of experience working collaboratively with design and engineering.
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator to prep files for perforation and embroidery machines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Respectfully accepts constructive criticism

Responsibilities

• Sewing on production sewing machines including walking foot, lock stitch, overcasting double needle and pedestal.
• Develop patterns for soft and hard trim, including seats, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel and flooring.
• Digitize patterns and refining them in 2D software such as Accumark and Tukatech.
• Wrapping of hard parts, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel and flooring.
• Develop, plan and execute foam and structure modifications to support late changes.
• Operate digital cutter such as Zund as well as PAX perforation and embroidery machines.
• Provide input and support development of prototype build timing plans – delivering properties on time and with quality to support milestones
• Work collaboratively with design, engineering and fabrication to design, engineer and build prototypes, aligned to design intent and program maturity
• Identify areas of opportunity and process efficiencies and action as appropriate
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototype build processes
• General ability to abide by shop rules and safety requirements.

Skills

Industrial sewing

2D pattern development

Automotive design understanding

Team collaboration

Creative problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Accumark

Tukatech

Zund digital cutter

PAX embroidery

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

Ford Motor Company is seeking a Prototype Trim Developer in Dearborn, MI to translate concepts into functional high-fidelity prototypes and drive early-stage trim design across seats, IPs, door panels, consoles, and more. You’ll collaborate with design, engineering, and fabrication to realize the design intent while meeting program milestones.

The role requires deep automotive systems knowledge, 4+ years in trim development, and hands-on experience with sewing, 2D pattern software, and digital