Prototype Upholstery Engineer — Sofas & Chairs

Bernhardt Furniture Company; Lenoir (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Bernhardt Furniture Company is seeking a Product Development Upholsterer to bring sofa, chair, and ottoman designs from concept to prototype production. You will trim, upholster, fit, and refine frames, collaborating with designers, engineers, and sample builders to meet design intent and quality standards.

The role requires strong craftsmanship, problem solving, and the ability to translate drawings into production-ready work while evaluating fabrics, leathers, and padding for manufacturability

Qualifications

• 3+ years of upholstery experience in furniture manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of upholstery techniques and padding methods.
• Ability to translate design concepts into prototypes.
• Experience with fabrics and leathers and fit considerations.
• Team-oriented with cross-functional collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and upholster sofas, chairs, and ottomans to spec.
• Develop patterns, fabric cuts, and sewing requirements.
• Interpret design drawings and translate to production-ready work.
• Evaluate fabrics, leathers, foams for production suitability.
• Provide input on construction methods for mass production.
• Refine padding and springs for comfort and aesthetics.
• Document upholstery steps and material usage.
• Collaborate with designers, sample sewers, frame builders, and production staff.
• Safely operate upholstery tools.
• Suggest continuous improvements to methods and materials.

Skills

Upholstery techniques

Pattern development

Fabric/leather behavior

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Bernhardt Furniture Company is seeking a Product Development Upholsterer to bring sofa, chair, and ottoman designs from concept to prototype production. You will trim, upholster, fit, and refine frames, collaborating with designers, engineers, and sample builders to meet design intent and quality standards.

The role requires strong craftsmanship, problem solving, and the ability to translate drawings into production-ready work while evaluating fabrics, leathers, and padding for manufacturability