Soft Trim Engineer - Automotive

Piston Interiors; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Piston Interiors is seeking an automotive Trim Engineer for seating to manage engineering activities from concept through production for seat trim systems, covers, foam, and comfort features. You will interface with customers, suppliers, and teams to deliver cost-effective seat trim solutions.

The role emphasizes design, development, validation, and launch processes with strong emphasis on collaboration and technical leadership within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in automotive seat trim or soft trim products.
• Experience with DFMEA development and application preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, or in a technical leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily engineering activities for seat trim programs and resolve technical issues.
• Serve as primary customer-facing technical contact for seat trim design and issues.
• Ensure designs meet timing, cost, quality, and craftsmanship targets.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including DFMEAs, specs, and BOMs.
• Develop validation plans and review test results for fit, appearance, durability, and performance.
• Lead cross-functional seat trim reviews with OE, JIT, internal teams and suppliers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Mechanical aptitude

Microsoft Office proficiency

Independent / leadership potential

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are currently seeking an automotive Trim Engineer for seating that will be responsible for managing engineering activities related to automotive seat trim systems, including trim covers, foam, and integrated comfort features. This role requires advanced knowledge of seat trim design, development, validation, and launch processes. The engineer will serve as a technical interface with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective seat trim solutions from concept through production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage daily engineering activities for assigned seat trim programs, including tracking and resolution of open technical issues
• Act as a primary customer-facing technical contact for seat trim design, development, and issue resolution
• Ensure seat trim designs meet program timing, cost, quality, and craftsmanship targets
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including DFMEAs, specifications, and program deliverables
• Develop seat trim validation plans and review/approve test results related to fit, appearance, durability, and performance
• Lead cross-functional seat trim reviews involving OE, JIT, internal teams, and suppliers; document findings and drive corrective actions
• Support JIT pre-production, craftsmanship, and launch builds; document results through detailed trip reports
• Provide hands-on support to manufacturing plants and suppliers during prototype, DV/PV, pre-production, and launch phases
• Develop Was/Is and 2-Pager cost analyses for customer-driven seat trim changes and maintain cost tracking documentation
• Obtain customer approval for engineering changes, trials, and deviations prior to release
• Release accurate seat trim drawings, specifications, and bills of material (BOMs/header cards) for approved engineering changes and sample requests
• Lead root cause analysis for seat trim-related engineering, quality, and manufacturing issues; implement data-driven corrective actions
• Identify and support cost reduction and profit improvement opportunities related to materials, construction, and processes
• Support customer warranty and field issue investigations involving seat trim appearance, fit, wear, or durability
• Assist with new and maintenance business quoting by analyzing customer data, RASIC documents, and supporting technical seat trim reviews

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 1–3 years of experience in automotive seat trim or soft trim products (including pattern development)
• Strong understanding of seat trim materials, cover constructions, foam interfaces, and craftsmanship requirements
• Experience with DFMEA development and application preferred
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to support product development from concept through production launch
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, or in a technical leadership role
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude preferred

We are an Affidative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.