Marine Seating Innovation Specialist

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

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.