Job Description
R&D Engineer - OEM Upholstery plays a crucial role in product development, focusing on 3D frame design, sample creation, and technical documentation for OEM upholstery projects. This position ensures seamless translation of design concepts into manufacturable products while maintaining high-quality standards and efficiency in production.
Product & Sample Development:
- Design and develop 3D frame structures for new upholstery products.
- Evaluate and refine upholstery prototypes to enhance design feasibility and manufacturability.
- Review and adjust sample designs to meet functional and aesthetic requirements.
- Perform fit testing and make necessary modifications to optimize design.
- Collaborate with designers and engineers to refine construction techniques.
Technical Documentation:
- Create comprehensive technical packets detailing 3D frame design, upholstery materials, and assembly processes.
- Document material specifications, pattern layouts, and component assembly methods.
- Maintain detailed records of sample development iterations and outcomes.
- Generate accurate measurement specifications and technical guidelines.
- Prepare technical reports on product performance and testing results.
Project Collaboration:
- Work closely with designers to translate creative concepts into practical designs.
- Coordinate with material suppliers to source innovative fabrics and components.
- Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are producible at scale.
- Provide technical input during design review meetings to ensure manufacturability.
- Support cost analysis by evaluating materials and construction methods.
Quality Assurance:
- Establish and enforce quality standards for upholstery frame and sample development.
- Conduct quality assessments on prototype samples and recommend improvements.
- Identify potential manufacturing challenges and propose effective solutions.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Monitor and document product performance throughout development and testing phases.
Requirements
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Technology, or a related field.
- Minimum 4-5 years of experience in upholstery product development, specifically in OEM manufacturing.
- Proven expertise in 3D frame design and sample making for upholstery products.
- Experience using CAD software for product design and technical documentation.
Technical Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of upholstery frame construction and material properties.
- Proficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino) for frame design.
- In-depth knowledge of upholstery pattern making and assembly techniques.
- Understanding of manufacturing constraints and industry quality standards.
- Familiarity with testing procedures for durability and performance validation.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong attention to detail with high precision in sample development.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Proficient in technical drawing, measurement specifications, and documentation.
- Effective communication skills for collaboration across teams.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills.
- Creative thinking with a practical approach to innovation.
Technical Requirements:
- Proficiency in design and engineering software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
- Experience with technical specification systems and ERP documentation protocols.
- Knowledge of industry-standard testing procedures for upholstery materials.