Marine Seating Development Specialist - Marine Components

Malibu Boats; Tennessee; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Marine Components in Loudon, TN is seeking a Marine Seating Development Specialist to drive upholstery pattern development, foam design, and prototype seating projects from concept through production. You will create patterns for vinyl, fabric and foam, develop CAD drawings, and collaborate with engineering and production to ensure manufacturability and quality.

The role emphasizes hands-on pattern development, seating systems, and documentation for production launches.

Qualifications

• Experience developing upholstery patterns, sewn products, soft goods, or related products.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork with engineering and production.

Responsibilities

• Develop upholstery patterns for seating systems, cushions, backrests, and interior components.
• Create and modify patterns for vinyl, fabric, foam, and related components.
• Design, build, and evaluate prototype seating and upholstery assemblies for new products.
• Develop foam shapes and templates that meet design and manufacturing requirements.
• Create CAD drawings, templates, and production documentation.
• Coordinate with suppliers on fabrics, vinyl, foam, and seating components.
• Troubleshoot pattern and manufacturing issues and recommend solutions.
• Support new product launches through prototyping and production trials.

Skills

Upholstery pattern development

Manufacturing knowledge

Technical problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CAD software

Nesting CAM systems

CNC cutting systems

Job description

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