Trim Engineer

Teamprovide; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Teamprovide is seeking a Trim Engineer to own seat trim cover design and development for foam-and-trim seating programs. You will collaborate with foam, frame and product engineering teams to deliver trim that meets OEM comfort, quality and durability requirements, driving from concept through prototype, validation and launch support.

You will design and develop seat trim covers, define attachment methods, validate materials, and lead prototype builds while coordinating with suppliers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 3+ years automotive seat trim engineering experience
• Able to read and create drawings with GD&T
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP and DFMEA
• Clear communicator with suppliers and OEM teams

Responsibilities

• Design and develop seat trim covers to OEM specifications
• Define trim attachment methods (hog rings, clips, etc.)
• Collaborate with foam engineering on trim-to-foam interface
• Select and validate cover materials and laminates
• Lead trim prototype builds, fit reviews and approvals
• Maintain trim BOMs, drawings, and change notices
• Support DFMEA, PPAP deliverables and 8D problem solving

Skills

Seat trim engineering

GD&T reading

Supplier coordination

Communication skills

APQP/PPAP/DFMEA familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE

Job description

This 6-month contract Trim Engineer will own seat trim cover design and development for foam-and-trim seating programs, collaborating with foam, frame and product engineering teams to deliver trim that meets OEM comfort, quality and durability requirements. You will drive trim from concept through prototype, validation and launch support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop seat trim covers (cushion, back, bolster, head restraint, armrest) to OEM specifications

• Define trim attachment methods: hog rings, J-clips, listing wires, hook-and-loop, adhesive and trench/tie-down features

• Partner with foam engineering on trim-to-foam interface, trench design and surface definition to control wrinkles, gaps and fullness

• Select and validate cover materials (cloth, leather, vinyl, PU, suede) and laminates (scrim, foam backing)

• Support pattern development, sew-line definition and cut-sew feasibility with suppliers

• Lead trim prototype builds, fit reviews and appearance approvals (craftsmanship, A-surface quality)

• Resolve trim issues found in DV/PV testing, comfort evaluations and plant launch

• Maintain trim BOMs, drawings, change notices and supplier communication

• Support DFMEA, APQP/PPAP deliverables and root cause analysis (8D)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 3+ years of automotive seat trim engineering experience at an OEM or Tier 1 supplier

• Hands-on knowledge of trim cover construction, attachment methods and trim-to-foam fit

• Working knowledge of cover materials, laminates and sewing processes

• Ability to read and create drawings with GD&T

• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP and DFMEA

• Clear communicator comfortable with suppliers, plant teams and OEM customers

Preferred Skills:

• CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE, including surface and flattening/pattern tools

• Experience with molded foam programs (head restraints, bolsters, armrests, integral skin)

• Exposure to seat comfort testing, pressure mapping or craftsmanship evaluations

• Experience with GM, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota or other major OEM seating programs

• Program launch experience in a manufacturing environment

3+ years automotive seat trim engineering experience required. Proficient in CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE surface and pattern tools. Skilled at APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, and supplier coordination