We are seeking a skilled and innovative Textile Seating Fabric Engineer to join our automotive research and development engineering team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the development, testing, and validation of seating fabrics used in vehicle interiors, ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and aesthetic standards. This role involves close collaboration with design, manufacturing, and supplier teams to deliver high-quality, durable, and cost-effective textile solutions. The position is under the direction of the Global Textile Engineering Director the Development Engineer.
Key Responsibilities:
· Develop and engineer new textile materials and seating fabrics for automotive interior applications.
· Focus on the development of textile surface finishing techniques for the creation and duplication of our seating fabrics used in product offerings, which includes material routings and machine set-ups.
· Evaluate fabric properties including durability, flammability, abrasion resistance, and other OEM specifications relative to end-use.
· Collaborate with design teams to meet aesthetic, haptics and functional requirements.
· Ensure compliance with OEM and industry standards for product validation and capability.
· Conduct failure analysis and problem-solving for fabric-related issues in the development phase.
· Support prototype development, testing, and production launch activities.
· Prepare technical documentation, material specifications, and test reports.
· Contribute to sustainability initiatives by evaluating eco-friendly and sustainable materials and processes.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
· 3+ years of experience in automotive or industrial textiles (seating fabric experience preferred) with experience on surface finishing techniques.
· Strong understanding of textile manufacturing processes, weaving/knitting, dyeing, and finishing.
· Familiarity with automotive quality systems and testing protocols.
· Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
· Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
· Proficiency in textile testing equipment and analytical tools
Founded in 1969, SP Associates, Inc. places officers, managers, and skilled professionals in a broad range of industries. Exclusive Retained Search, Contingency Recruiting, and Contract Assignments are accepted. Our clients keep us posted on their key job openings, so we are continually searching for quality candidates using a range of resources which include multiple contacts and a large database.There is a reason skilled professionals in the textile, non-woven, fiber, manufacturing, engineering and textile automotive supplier industries call SP Associates when they are ready for their next big opportunity. We have deep experience pairing individuals with the perfect employer and role.
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