UPHOLSTERY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

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

Overview

Product Development Upholsterer plays a key role in bringing new upholstered sofa, chair, and ottoman designs from concept to production-ready prototypes. This position is responsible for trimming, upholstering, fitting, and refining prototype frames to ensure they meet design intent, comfort standards, manufacturability requirements, and quality expectations. The role requires strong craftsmanship, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and sample builders.

Key Responsibilities

• Prototype Upholstery: Trim, pad, and upholster prototype frames for sofas, chairs, and ottomans using a variety of materials, tools, and techniques.
• Pattern & Fit Development: Assist in developing and adjusting patterns, fabric cuts, and sewing requirements to achieve proper fit, tailoring, and visual accuracy.
• Design Interpretation: Translate design drawings, specifications, and verbal direction into high-quality prototype upholstery work.
• Material Evaluation: Test and evaluate fabrics, leathers, foams, and support materials to determine suitability for production.
• Manufacturability Feedback: Provide input to engineering and production teams on construction methods, efficiencies, and potential challenges for mass production.
• Quality & Comfort Refinement: Adjust padding, spring systems, and upholstery details to achieve desired comfort levels and aesthetic standards.
• Documentation Support: Assist in documenting upholstery steps, material usage, and best practices for production handoff.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with designers, sample sewers, frame builders, and production supervisors to ensure prototypes meet all requirements.
• Tool & Equipment Use: Safely operate staple guns, shears, foam saws, pneumatic tools, and other upholstery equipment.
• Continuous Improvement: Recommend improvements to construction methods, materials, and processes to enhance product quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Upholstery Experience: 3+ years of upholstery experience in furniture manufacturing, preferably in product development or sample building.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of upholstery techniques, padding methods, patterning, and fabric/leather behavior
• Attention to Detail: Ability to achieve precise tailoring, clean lines, and consistent quality
• Problem-Solving Ability: Skilled at diagnosing fit issues and developing creative, production-friendly solutions.
• Collaboration Skills: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented development environment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift materials, operate tools, and perform repetitive tasks in a workshop setting.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with CAD or pattern software
• Knowledge of frame construction and spring systems
• Experience working with both fabric and leather upholstery
• Background in sample or prototype building

Work Environment

• Steady-paced manufacturing environment
• Collaboration with upholsterers, designers, and production staff
• Hands-on work requiring precision and consistency