Marine Seating Development Specialist - Marine Components

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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