Prototype Trim Technician – Automotive Seating

Prototype Trim Technician – Automotive Seating

Location: Irvine, CA
Contract: 6 months
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Work Arrangement: On-site

We are seeking an experienced Prototype Trim Technician to support an automotive Seat Laboratory in Irvine, California.

This is a highly hands-on position focused on the development and assembly of prototype automotive seating. You will be responsible for cutting and sewing seat trim materials, producing finished trim covers and supporting the complete seat build process from individual components through to finished assemblies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automotive upholstery, seat trim, industrial sewing or closely related upholstery manufacturing, with the ability to work accurately from patterns, drawings and engineering specifications.

Key Responsibilities

Trim Cutting & Preparation

• Read and interpret trim patterns, work instructions and digital cutting layouts.

• Cut leather, fabric, vinyl and other seating materials accurately to specification.

• Inspect materials for defects and verify grain direction, orientation and color matching.

• Label and organize cut components to support efficient prototype builds.

• Operate manual and automated cutting equipment as required.

Industrial Sewing & Trim Assembly

• Operate industrial sewing equipment including single-needle, double-needle, overlock and walking-foot machines.

• Sew complex automotive seat trim components to required tolerances.

• Produce seams, top-stitching and decorative features in accordance with design and quality requirements.

• Apply foam, scrim, backing and reinforcement materials as required.

• Inspect stitch quality, seam allowances, alignment and dimensional accuracy throughout the build.

Prototype Seat Build

• Install completed trim covers onto seat cushions, seat backs, headrests and armrests.

• Assemble seat frames, foam pads, plastics, hardware and associated components.

• Use hand and power tools safely during mechanical assembly.

• Evaluate finished seats for fit, finish and overall craftsmanship.

• Verify the operation of seat features including adjusters, recliners and headrests.

Quality & Documentation

• Work in accordance with established quality standards, procedures and inspection requirements.

• Identify defects and perform rework or corrections where appropriate.

• Record production results, quality concerns and build information accurately.

• Escalate material, equipment or process issues when required.

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment in accordance with 5S and EHS standards.

Prototype Development & Continuous Improvement

• Support prototype trials, engineering changes and new seat or material development.

• Provide feedback on patterns, tooling and assembly methods.

• Work closely with engineering, quality and production teams to resolve fit, finish and build issues.

• Contribute ideas that improve quality, repeatability and build efficiency.

Required Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in automotive seat trim, upholstery, industrial sewing, furniture upholstery or a closely related manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated ability to cut and sew complex upholstery or trim patterns to tight tolerances.

• Experience building complete automotive seats or comparable upholstered assemblies from component level through to finished product.

• Strong experience operating industrial sewing machines and associated trim equipment.

• Ability to read patterns, drawings, specifications and detailed work instructions.

Preferred Technical Skills

Experience with equipment and systems such as:

• Industrial sewing machines

• Cutters, skivers, binders and sergers

• Pattern or nesting software such as Optitex or equivalent

• Manufacturing HMIs and production terminals

• Basic manufacturing, quality and reporting systems

What We're Looking For

This position suits someone who takes pride in craftsmanship and can produce prototype-quality work rather than high-volume production alone. You should have excellent attention to stitch quality, seam alignment, appearance and fit, together with the ability to identify and correct issues during the build process.

You will also need to communicate effectively with engineering and production teams as designs evolve and prototype requirements change.

Physical Requirements

The role requires the ability to stand, bend and reach for extended periods and to safely lift and move automotive seating components and materials as required.

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