About the Role
Marine Components is seeking a skilled Marine Seating Development Specialist to support the design, development, prototyping, and launch of innovative marine seating and upholstery products.
This position plays a critical role in transforming concepts into production-ready products by developing upholstery patterns, seating components, foam designs, prototypes, and manufacturing documentation. The ideal candidate combines hands-on upholstery and pattern development expertise with strong technical problem-solving skills and a passion for product development.
Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Product Development, Suppliers, and Customers, this role helps bring high-quality marine seating solutions from concept through production.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop upholstery patterns for marine seating systems, cushions, backrests, bolsters, and interior components.
- Create and modify patterns for vinyl, fabric, foam, backing materials, and related upholstery components.
- Design, construct, and evaluate prototype seating and upholstery assemblies for new product development projects.
- Develop foam shapes, templates, and support components that meet design, comfort, and manufacturing requirements.
- Create and maintain CAD drawings, templates, and technical documentation that support product development and manufacturing.
- Generate and maintain files used for CNC cutting equipment and pattern development processes.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Production teams to ensure products are manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet quality standards.
- Support new product launches through prototype development, validation, production trials, and implementation activities.
- Evaluate products for fit, finish, durability, comfort, quality, and manufacturability.
- Identify and implement improvements to seating designs, production processes, and manufacturing methods.
- Develop and maintain bills of material, engineering documentation, work instructions, and production support materials.
- Coordinate with suppliers regarding fabrics, vinyl, foam, hardware, and other seating system components.
- Troubleshoot product, pattern, and manufacturing issues and recommend effective solutions.
- Participate in design reviews, product evaluations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate records, revisions, pattern libraries, and technical documentation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or related education preferred.
- Experience developing upholstery patterns, sewn products, soft goods, or related products.
- Strong understanding of upholstery construction methods, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and production requirements.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and production teams.
Preferred
- Experience in marine, furniture, automotive, RV, powersports, or seating manufacturing.
- Experience with CAD software and pattern development systems.
- Experience with CNC cutting systems, nesting software, or CAM processes.
- Experience designing or developing foam products and seating systems.
- Experience supporting prototype builds and production launches.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience working directly with suppliers and product development teams.
What Success Looks Like
- Develops accurate, production-ready upholstery patterns and seating components.
- Successfully supports the transition of new products from concept to production.
- Consistently improves product quality, fit, finish, comfort, and manufacturability.
- Maintains well-organized and accurate technical documentation.
- Serves as a trusted technical resource for seating and upholstery development.
Why Join Us?
- Help shape the future of marine seating and interior products.
- Work on exciting new customer programs and innovative product launches.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and design professionals.
- Make a direct impact on product quality, customer satisfaction, and business growth.
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Loudon, TN
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