Upholstery Tech - Inside

Design Foundry; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Foundry in Hickory, NC is seeking an Upholstery Tech - Inside to join our upholstery team. The role focuses on applying fabric, leather, and padding to furniture frames, ensuring quality finishes in a fast-paced production environment.

You will stretch, staple, tack, and sew materials to meet design specifications while maintaining production schedules. Strong attention to detail and teamwork are essential to deliver high-quality, aesthetically pleasing furniture.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Technical training or certification in upholstery is a plus.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in upholstery or furniture manufacturing preferred.
• Knowledge of upholstery techniques, fabrics, and tools is required.

Responsibilities

• Apply upholstery fabric, leather, and padding to furniture frames using hand tools and power tools.
• Stretch, staple, tack, and secure materials to ensure a smooth, high-quality finish.
• Attach cushions and align seat/back cushions and armrests to pieces.
• Inspect furniture for wrinkles, misalignment, defects, or loose fastenings.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Blueprint reading

Upholstery tools

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Staple guns

Tacking hammers

Shears

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Upholstery Tech - Inside

Full Time Technical Hickory, NC, US

Job Title

Job Summary

The Upholsterer is responsible for applying fabric, leather, and padding to furniture frames, ensuring that all upholstered pieces, including sofas, chairs, sectionals, and ottomans, meet company quality standards and customer specifications. This role involves stretching, tacking, stapling, and sewing materials to achieve a clean, professional finish while working efficiently to maintain production schedules. The Upholsterer plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing upholstered furniture. You embody our core values: We Are Family, We Own It, We Give Our All, and We Have Fun, fostering teamwork, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Department and Reporting Structure

• Department: Upholstery
• Reports To: Upholstery Operations Manager
• Direct Reports: None

Key Responsibilities

Upholstery Application

• We Own It: Apply upholstery fabric, leather, and padding to furniture frames using hand tools and power tools.
• We Give Our All: Stretch, staple, tack, and secure materials to ensure a smooth, high-quality finish.
• Trim excess fabric and padding for a clean, professional appearance.
• Install welt cords, decorative nails, and trims as required by design specifications.

Frame and Cushion Assembly

• Attach and align seat cushions, back cushions, and armrests to upholstered pieces.
• Ensure proper fit and alignment of all fabric patterns and seams.
• Work closely with cushion filling and sewing teams to ensure components meet quality standards.

Quality Control and Inspection

• We Are Family: Inspect completed upholstered furniture for wrinkles, misalignment, defects, or loose fastenings.
• Identify and correct issues before products move to final inspection.
• Report recurring quality concerns and suggest process improvements.

Collaboration and Process Improvement

• We Have Fun: Work alongside frame assembly, sewing, and inspection teams to ensure seamless production flow.
• Provide feedback to design and development teams to improve upholstery techniques and efficiency.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, following company safety standards and best practices.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Technical training or certification in upholstery is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in upholstery or furniture manufacturing preferred.
• Knowledge of upholstery techniques, fabrics, and tools is required.

Skills

• Strong hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, upholstery specifications, and work orders.
• Proficiency in using staple guns, tacking hammers, shears, and other upholstery tools.
• Effective problem-solving skills for identifying and fixing upholstery defects.

Certifications

• None required, though training in upholstery techniques or lean manufacturing is a plus.

Core Competencies

• We Are Family: Work collaboratively with team members to produce high-quality upholstered furniture.
• We Own It: Take responsibility for the quality and craftsmanship of every upholstered piece.
• We Give Our All: Commit to continuous learning and improvement in upholstery techniques.
• We Have Fun: Maintain a positive and engaging work environment while delivering exceptional products.

Performance Metrics

• Accuracy and consistency in upholstery application.
• Reduction in defects and rework due to upholstery issues.
• Speed and efficiency in completing upholstery tasks while maintaining quality.
• Contribution to process improvements and teamwork in production.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to upholstery materials, tools, and production equipment.
• Fast-paced setting requiring focus and efficiency.

Travel Requirements

• None

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work with hands for extended periods.
• Capability to lift and maneuver furniture components weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Strong hand strength and dexterity for stretching, tacking, and stapling upholstery materials.