Marine Seating Development Specialist - Marine Components

MBI; Tennessee; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Marine Components in Loudon, TN seeks a Marine Seating Development Specialist to support design, prototyping, and production launches of innovative seating and upholstery solutions.

The role develops upholstery patterns, foam shapes, CAD drawings, and manufacturing documentation, collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Development, suppliers, and customers to move concepts to production. Hands-on pattern development and strong problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree preferred.
• Experience developing upholstery patterns, soft goods, or related products.
• Strong understanding of upholstery construction methods, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop upholstery patterns for marine seating systems, cushions, backrests, bolsters, and interior components.
• Create and modify patterns for vinyl, fabric, foam, backing materials, and related upholstery components.
• Design, construct, and evaluate prototype seating and upholstery assemblies for new product development projects.
• Develop foam shapes, templates, and support components meeting design, comfort, and manufacturing requirements.
• Create and maintain CAD drawings, templates, and technical documentation supporting development and manufacturing.
• Generate and maintain files used for CNC cutting equipment and pattern development processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production to ensure products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet quality standards.
• Support new product launches through prototype development, validation, production trials, and implementation activities.
• Evaluate products for fit, finish, durability, comfort, quality, and manufacturability.
• Identify and implement improvements to seating designs, production processes, and manufacturing methods.
• Develop and maintain bills of material, engineering documentation, work instructions, and production support materials.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding fabrics, vinyl, foam, hardware, and other seating components.
• Troubleshoot product, pattern, and manufacturing issues and recommend effective solutions.
• Participate in design reviews, product evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records, revisions, pattern libraries, and technical documentation.

Skills

Upholstery pattern development

Technical problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical degree or related education preferred

Tools

CAD software

Pattern development systems

CNC cutting systems

Nesting software

CAM processes

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: MC TN - LOUDON, TN 37774

About the Role

Marine Components is seeking a skilled Marine Seating Development Specialist to support the design, development, prototyping, and launch of innovative marine seating and upholstery products.

This position plays a critical role in transforming concepts into production-ready products by developing upholstery patterns, seating components, foam designs, prototypes, and manufacturing documentation. The ideal candidate combines hands‑on upholstery and pattern development expertise with strong technical problem‑solving skills and a passion for product development.

Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Development, Suppliers, and Customers, this role helps bring high‑quality marine seating solutions from concept through production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop upholstery patterns for marine seating systems, cushions, backrests, bolsters, and interior components.
• Create and modify patterns for vinyl, fabric, foam, backing materials, and related upholstery components.
• Design, construct, and evaluate prototype seating and upholstery assemblies for new product development projects.
• Develop foam shapes, templates, and support components that meet design, comfort, and manufacturing requirements.
• Create and maintain CAD drawings, templates, and technical documentation that support product development and manufacturing.
• Generate and maintain files used for CNC cutting equipment and pattern development processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to ensure products are manufacturable, cost‑effective, and meet quality standards.
• Support new product launches through prototype development, validation, production trials, and implementation activities.
• Evaluate products for fit, finish, durability, comfort, quality, and manufacturability.
• Identify and implement improvements to seating designs, production processes, and manufacturing methods.
• Develop and maintain bills of material, engineering documentation, work instructions, and production support materials.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding fabrics, vinyl, foam, hardware, and other seating system components.
• Troubleshoot product, pattern, and manufacturing issues and recommend effective solutions.
• Participate in design reviews, product evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records, revisions, pattern libraries, and technical documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or related education preferred.
• Experience developing upholstery patterns, sewn products, soft goods, or related products.
• Strong understanding of upholstery construction methods, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
• Strong problem‑solving and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally with engineering and production teams.

Preferred

• Experience in marine, furniture, automotive, RV, powersports, or seating manufacturing.
• Experience with CAD software and pattern development systems.
• Experience with CNC cutting systems, nesting software, or CAM processes.
• Experience designing or developing foam products and seating systems.
• Experience supporting prototype builds and production launches.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience working directly with suppliers and product development teams.

What Success Looks Like

• Develops accurate, production‑ready upholstery patterns and seating components.
• Successfully supports the transition of new products from concept to production.
• Consistently improves product quality, fit, finish, comfort, and manufacturability.
• Maintains well‑organized and accurate technical documentation.
• Serves as a trusted technical resource for seating and upholstery development.

Why Join Us?

• Help shape the future of marine seating and interior products.
• Work on exciting new customer programs and innovative product launches.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and design professionals.
• Make a direct impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, and business growth.

Position Type

Full-Time

Location

Loudon, TN