Trim Technician in Irvine, California

Location

Irvine, California

Job Type

Contractor

Company

Motion Recruitment

• **This role starts as a 1.5 year contract and could convert FTE after*** • **This is a fully onsite role in Irvine, CA***

Role Summary

The Prototype Trim Technician - Seat Laboratory is responsible for accurately cutting, sewing, and assembling seat trim covers, and for participating in the complete seat build process.

Key Responsibilities • Trim Cover Cutting & Preparation • Read and interpret patterns, work instructions, and digital cutting layouts for seat trim covers. • Cut fabric, leather, vinyl, and other materials to specification using manual and automated cutting tools. • Inspect materials for defects and verify correct grain, orientation, and color matching before cutting. • Label and organize cut parts to support efficient flow to sewing and seat build stations. • Sewing & Trim Cover Assembly • Operate industrial sewing machines (e.g., single-needle, double-needle, overlock, walking foot) to sew seat trim components. • Assemble seams, top-stitching, and decorative features according to quality, safety, and durability standards. • Apply foam, scrim, and reinforcements as required by the build specification. • Perform in-process quality checks on stitch quality, seam allowances, and dimensional accuracy. • Seat Build & Assembly • Install finished trim covers onto seat cushions, backs, headrests, and armrests. • Assemble seat components including frames, foam pads, plastics, and hardware per work instructions. • Use hand tools and power tools to complete mechanical assembly tasks safely and correctly. • Verify fit, finish, and functional operation (adjusters, recliners, headrests, etc.) of completed seats. • Quality, Safety & Documentation • Follow standard operating procedures, quality standards, and inspection criteria for trim covers and seat assemblies. • Document production results, defects, and rework in the appropriate systems or forms. • Escalate quality issues, equipment concerns, and process deviations promptly. • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area following 5S and EHS requirements. • Continuous Improvement & Collaboration • Provide feedback on patterns, methods, and tooling to improve build quality and efficiency. • Support trials, prototypes, and engineering changes for new seat designs and materials. • Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve build issues and implement best practices.

Minimum Qualifications • 5+ years of experience in seat trim sewing, upholstery, automotive interiors, furniture upholstery, or closely related manufacturing/production work. • Proven ability to cut and sew complex trim patterns to tight tolerances. • Experience assembling complete seats or similar upholstered assemblies from component level to finished product.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills • Proficiency operating industrial sewing machines and related equipment (cutters, skivers, binders, sergers, etc.). • Ability to read and interpret patterns, drawings, work instructions, and digital layouts. • Comfortable using basic manufacturing software and equipment interfaces, such as: • Pattern or nesting software for cut planning (Optitex or equivalent). • HMI screens or terminals to retrieve work orders and record production data. • Basic office or manufacturing systems for training, quality, and reporting.

Quality & Craftsmanship • Strong attention to detail in stitch quality, seam alignment, and appearance. • Ability to perform self-inspection and correct defects at the source.

Problem Solving & Collaboration • Ability to identify fit, finish, and functional build issues and work with cross-functional teams (engineering, quality, production) to resolve them quickly. • Effective communication skills in a production team environment. • Physical Requirements • Ability to stand, bend, and reach for extended periods. • Ability to lift and move seat components and materials as required by the job (within safe limits).