Upholstery Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Summary

Description: Bring Your Upholstery Expertise to a Growing Boat Manufacturing Operation!

Boater's World Manufacturing Group is seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Upholstery Subject Matter Expert (SME) to help develop, support, and improve our upholstery manufacturing operations in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

This position is designed for an accomplished upholstery professional who brings extensive hands-on experience in upholstery design, fabrication, production processes, and automated manufacturing equipment.

We're looking for someone who understands the complete upholstery production process, from developing patterns and selecting materials to programming automated cutting equipment, coordinating embroidery designs, assembling components, and ensuring consistent finished quality.

The ideal candidate may have previously owned or operated an upholstery shop, managed a specialized upholstery production operation, or served as a senior technical expert responsible for upholstery design and manufacturing processes.

This individual will serve as a technical resource for our Upholstery Department, helping establish production standards, develop efficient manufacturing methods, troubleshoot complex issues, and train employees in proper upholstery techniques.

Experience with automated foam cutting, upholstery material cutting, and embroidery programming is particularly important for this position.

Previous marine upholstery experience is strongly preferred; however, candidates with extensive technical experience in automotive, furniture, RV, or other specialized upholstery manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Upholstery Design & Technical Development

• Serve as the primary technical resource for upholstery design, fabrication, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop upholstery patterns, templates, layouts, and production specifications for marine seating, cushions, and interior components.
• Translate upholstery designs and measurements into accurate production instructions.
• Develop and refine patterns for vinyl, fabric, foam, and other upholstery materials.
• Determine appropriate material dimensions, seam allowances, cutting requirements, and assembly methods.
• Evaluate upholstery designs for manufacturability, material efficiency, fit, appearance, and durability.
• Work with Engineering, Production, and Assembly teams to ensure upholstery components meet design and installation requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve upholstery construction methods, fitment, and finished appearance.
• Assist with developing new upholstery components and refining existing designs.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, patterns, templates, and production specifications.

Automated Cutting & Machine Programming

• Develop and maintain machine cutting instructions for foam, vinyl, fabric, and other upholstery materials.
• Create or modify digital cutting patterns and layouts for automated upholstery cutting equipment.
• Translate measurements, drawings, and upholstery patterns into machine-readable production instructions.
• Set up, adjust, and troubleshoot automated cutting equipment as needed.
• Ensure cutting programs produce accurate, repeatable components that meet established specifications.
• Optimize cutting layouts to reduce material waste and improve production efficiency.
• Verify machine settings, cutting dimensions, and finished material accuracy.
• Identify and resolve issues involving inaccurate cuts, material alignment, or equipment programming.
• Work with equipment operators to establish consistent cutting procedures.
• Maintain organized records of cutting programs, patterns, and revisions.

Embroidery Design & Programming

• Develop and coordinate embroidery designs used on marine upholstery components.
• Create, modify, or prepare machine instructions for automated embroidery equipment.
• Translate approved designs, logos, and decorative stitching requirements into production-ready embroidery programs.
• Ensure embroidery patterns meet established placement, sizing, alignment, and quality requirements.
• Coordinate embroidery specifications with upholstery patterns and component designs.
• Troubleshoot embroidery issues involving stitching quality, design placement, material handling, or programming.
• Assist with equipment setup and process improvements to maintain consistent embroidery quality.
• Maintain accurate embroidery program files and design documentation.
• Train employees on proper embroidery setup, handling, and quality expectations as needed.

Upholstery Fabrication & Production Support

• Provide expert guidance on upholstery fabrication, sewing, foam preparation, assembly, and finishing.
• Demonstrate proper techniques for measuring, cutting, sewing, stretching, fitting, and securing upholstery materials.
• Support the production of marine seating, cushions, bolsters, and other upholstered components.
• Evaluate material selection and construction methods to ensure appropriate quality and durability.
• Assist with complex upholstery projects, prototype development, and production challenges.
• Troubleshoot issues involving patterns, seams, foam dimensions, fitment, or finished appearance.
• Work directly with upholstery technicians and production employees to improve consistency and workmanship.
• Support efficient production methods while maintaining established quality standards.
• Assist with establishing standardized work instructions and repeatable manufacturing processes.

Quality Control & Process Improvement

• Establish and maintain technical quality standards for upholstery components.
• Inspect upholstery patterns, cut materials, sewn components, and completed assemblies for accuracy.
• Identify issues involving improper dimensions, uneven stitching, wrinkles, alignment, fitment, or material defects.
• Investigate recurring quality concerns and recommend corrective actions.
• Improve cutting, sewing, embroidery, and assembly processes to reduce defects and rework.
• Evaluate material usage and identify opportunities to reduce waste.
• Assist with developing quality inspection procedures and production checkpoints.
• Work with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve technical manufacturing concerns.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, consistency, and craftsmanship.

Technical Training & Department Development

• Serve as a technical mentor and resource for upholstery technicians and production employees.
• Provide hands-on training in upholstery fabrication, pattern development, material handling, and equipment operation.
• Train employees on established cutting, sewing, embroidery, and assembly procedures.
• Help develop standardized work instructions and technical training materials.
• Assist with evaluating employee technical skills and identifying training needs.
• Support the development of efficient workflows and production methods.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding upholstery equipment, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with manufacturing leadership to support department development and production goals.
• Assist with implementing new equipment, techniques, and manufacturing processes as the operation grows.

Requirements:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of professional upholstery experience, including advanced hands-on fabrication, design, or production responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge of upholstery construction, pattern development, material preparation, cutting, sewing, fitting, and finishing.
• Experience developing upholstery patterns, templates, or technical drawings used in production.
• Experience creating or modifying machine cutting instructions for automated foam cutting or upholstery material cutting equipment.
• Experience developing, modifying, or preparing machine instructions for automated embroidery equipment.
• Strong understanding of industrial sewing equipment, upholstery tools, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with vinyl, fabric, foam, backing materials, and other upholstery components.
• Ability to interpret measurements, drawings, patterns, and technical specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex upholstery production and equipment issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to train employees and communicate technical procedures clearly.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Assembly teams.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience owning or operating an upholstery business or production shop.
• Experience serving as an Upholstery Manager, Upholstery Production Manager, Technical Specialist, or senior upholstery professional.
• Previous experience in marine upholstery or boat manufacturing.
• Experience developing upholstery patterns and components for boat seating and marine interiors.
• Experience using CAD-based upholstery design, pattern-making, or automated cutting software.
• Familiarity with CNC cutting tables, digital pattern systems . click apply for full job details

Job Description

Description: Bring Your Upholstery Expertise to a Growing Boat Manufacturing Operation!

Boater's World Manufacturing Group is seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Upholstery Subject Matter Expert (SME) to help develop, support, and improve our upholstery manufacturing operations in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

This position is designed for an accomplished upholstery professional who brings extensive hands-on experience in upholstery design, fabrication, production processes, and automated manufacturing equipment.

We're looking for someone who understands the complete upholstery production process, from developing patterns and selecting materials to programming automated cutting equipment, coordinating embroidery designs, assembling components, and ensuring consistent finished quality.

The ideal candidate may have previously owned or operated an upholstery shop, managed a specialized upholstery production operation, or served as a senior technical expert responsible for upholstery design and manufacturing processes.

This individual will serve as a technical resource for our Upholstery Department, helping establish production standards, develop efficient manufacturing methods, troubleshoot complex issues, and train employees in proper upholstery techniques.

Experience with automated foam cutting, upholstery material cutting, and embroidery programming is particularly important for this position.

Previous marine upholstery experience is strongly preferred; however, candidates with extensive technical experience in automotive, furniture, RV, or other specialized upholstery manufacturing environments are encouraged to apply.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Upholstery Design & Technical Development

• Serve as the primary technical resource for upholstery design, fabrication, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop upholstery patterns, templates, layouts, and production specifications for marine seating, cushions, and interior components.
• Translate upholstery designs and measurements into accurate production instructions.
• Develop and refine patterns for vinyl, fabric, foam, and other upholstery materials.
• Determine appropriate material dimensions, seam allowances, cutting requirements, and assembly methods.
• Evaluate upholstery designs for manufacturability, material efficiency, fit, appearance, and durability.
• Work with Engineering, Production, and Assembly teams to ensure upholstery components meet design and installation requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve upholstery construction methods, fitment, and finished appearance.
• Assist with developing new upholstery components and refining existing designs.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, patterns, templates, and production specifications.

Automated Cutting & Machine Programming

• Develop and maintain machine cutting instructions for foam, vinyl, fabric, and other upholstery materials.
• Create or modify digital cutting patterns and layouts for automated upholstery cutting equipment.
• Translate measurements, drawings, and upholstery patterns into machine-readable production instructions.
• Set up, adjust, and troubleshoot automated cutting equipment as needed.
• Ensure cutting programs produce accurate, repeatable components that meet established specifications.
• Optimize cutting layouts to reduce material waste and improve production efficiency.
• Verify machine settings, cutting dimensions, and finished material accuracy.
• Identify and resolve issues involving inaccurate cuts, material alignment, or equipment programming.
• Work with equipment operators to establish consistent cutting procedures.
• Maintain organized records of cutting programs, patterns, and revisions.

Embroidery Design & Programming

• Develop and coordinate embroidery designs used on marine upholstery components.
• Create, modify, or prepare machine instructions for automated embroidery equipment.
• Translate approved designs, logos, and decorative stitching requirements into production-ready embroidery programs.
• Ensure embroidery patterns meet established placement, sizing, alignment, and quality requirements.
• Coordinate embroidery specifications with upholstery patterns and component designs.
• Troubleshoot embroidery issues involving stitching quality, design placement, material handling, or programming.
• Assist with equipment setup and process improvements to maintain consistent embroidery quality.
• Maintain accurate embroidery program files and design documentation.
• Train employees on proper embroidery setup, handling, and quality expectations as needed.

Upholstery Fabrication & Production Support

• Provide expert guidance on upholstery fabrication, sewing, foam preparation, assembly, and finishing.
• Demonstrate proper techniques for measuring, cutting, sewing, stretching, fitting, and securing upholstery materials.
• Support the production of marine seating, cushions, bolsters, and other upholstered components.
• Evaluate material selection and construction methods to ensure appropriate quality and durability.
• Assist with complex upholstery projects, prototype development, and production challenges.
• Troubleshoot issues involving patterns, seams, foam dimensions, fitment, or finished appearance.
• Work directly with upholstery technicians and production employees to improve consistency and workmanship.
• Support efficient production methods while maintaining established quality standards.
• Assist with establishing standardized work instructions and repeatable manufacturing processes.

Quality Control & Process Improvement

• Establish and maintain technical quality standards for upholstery components.
• Inspect upholstery patterns, cut materials, sewn components, and completed assemblies for accuracy.
• Identify issues involving improper dimensions, uneven stitching, wrinkles, alignment, fitment, or material defects.
• Investigate recurring quality concerns and recommend corrective actions.
• Improve cutting, sewing, embroidery, and assembly processes to reduce defects and rework.
• Evaluate material usage and identify opportunities to reduce waste.
• Assist with developing quality inspection procedures and production checkpoints.
• Work with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve technical manufacturing concerns.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, consistency, and craftsmanship.

Technical Training & Department Development

• Serve as a technical mentor and resource for upholstery technicians and production employees.
• Provide hands-on training in upholstery fabrication, pattern development, material handling, and equipment operation.
• Train employees on established cutting, sewing, embroidery, and assembly procedures.
• Help develop standardized work instructions and technical training materials.
• Assist with evaluating employee technical skills and identifying training needs.
• Support the development of efficient workflows and production methods.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding upholstery equipment, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with manufacturing leadership to support department development and production goals.
• Assist with implementing new equipment, techniques, and manufacturing processes as the operation grows.

Requirements:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of professional upholstery experience, including advanced hands-on fabrication, design, or production responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge of upholstery construction, pattern development, material preparation, cutting, sewing, fitting, and finishing.
• Experience developing upholstery patterns, templates, or technical drawings used in production.
• Experience creating or modifying machine cutting instructions for automated foam cutting or upholstery material cutting equipment.
• Experience developing, modifying, or preparing machine instructions for automated embroidery equipment.
• Strong understanding of industrial sewing equipment, upholstery tools, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with vinyl, fabric, foam, backing materials, and other upholstery components.
• Ability to interpret measurements, drawings, patterns, and technical specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex upholstery production and equipment issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to train employees and communicate technical procedures clearly.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Assembly teams.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Chocowinity, North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience owning or operating an upholstery business or production shop.
• Experience serving as an Upholstery Manager, Upholstery Production Manager, Technical Specialist, or senior upholstery professional.
• Previous experience in marine upholstery or boat manufacturing.
• Experience developing upholstery patterns and components for boat seating and marine interiors.
• Experience using CAD-based upholstery design, pattern-making, or automated cutting software.
• Familiarity with CNC cutting tables, digital pattern systems . click apply for full job details