Prototype Trim Developer

Ford Motor Company

. Sew on production sewing machines including walking foot, lock stitch, overcasting double needle and pedestal .

Posted 11/7/2026full-timeDearborn • Michigan • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $74,300 - $144,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in automotive trim development, including sewing on industrial machinery and 2D pattern development. Proficient in digital cutting software and collaborative design processes to deliver high-quality prototypes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automotive Trim DevelopmentIndustrial Sewing Experience2D Pattern Development SoftwareDigital Cutting SoftwareCollaborative Design and Engineering

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Sewing MachinesPattern DevelopmentDigital CuttingFoam and Structure ModificationsPrototype Build Processes

Soft Skills

Problem-SolvingCreative ThinkingCommunicationTeamworkAcceptance of Constructive Criticism

Tools & Technologies

AccumarkTukatechZundPAX Perforation MachinesAdobe Illustrator

Industry Keywords

Automotive EngineeringVehicle SystemsRapid IterationsDesign IntentSafety Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Sew on production sewing machines including walking foot, lock stitch, overcasting double needle and pedestal
Develop patterns for soft and hard trim, including seats, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel and flooring
Account for complex curves and a wide range of materials while achieving final fit within 1–2 revisions
Digitize and refine patterns in 2D software such as Accumark and Tukatech
Wrap hard parts, IPs, door panels, consoles, headliners, steering wheel and flooring while delivering design intent for seam and feature placement
Develop, plan and execute foam and structure modifications to support late changes
Operate digital cutters such as Zund and PAX perforation and embroidery machines
Support prototype build timing plans by delivering properties on time and with quality to support milestones
Collaborate with design, engineering and fabrication to design, engineer and build prototypes aligned to design intent and program maturity
Identify opportunities and process efficiencies and take appropriate action
Stay updated on industry trends and technologies to improve prototype build processes
Abide by shop rules and safety requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelors or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
4+ year of experience in automotive trim development with a focus on rapid iterations
4+ years of experience sewing on industrial machinery
4+ years of experience working on 2D pattern development software
4+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems
3+ years of experience with digital cutting software and hardware
3+ years of experience working collaboratively with design and engineering
Experience using Adobe Illustrator to prep files for perforation and embroidery machines
Ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
Respectfully accepts constructive criticism
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day