Job Description

Are you passionate about soft trim development? IMMI is seeking a Senior Trim Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and implementing IMMI soft trim products, specifically cut & sew trim covers, parts, and assemblies. This role includes planning and directing engineering trim programs and ensuring all soft trim deliverables meet quality standards, including the CASO process and post-launch quality assurance audits. The Senior Trim Engineer will also support the Trim Engineer Supervisor by leading daily activities in the trim shop and managing the trim development team.

IMMI® is the trusted, global leader of safety solutions, helping to protect millions of lives every day. For almost sixty years, IMMI has led the way in developing, designing, testing and manufacturing innovative safety restraints and systems. IMMI’s safety products are found worldwide on car seats, heavy trucks, school buses, recreational/off road, military, fire/EMS, motor coach, and construction vehicles. Privately owned, headquartered in Westfield, Indiana and operating eight additional global facilities, IMMI is also home to IMMI VIP steering wheels and CAPE®, the world’s leading state-of-the-art testing facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and production implementation of soft trim, ensuring adherence to engineering specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and manage project plans that outline key deliverables such as:
  • Trim development timelines
  • eBOM with preliminary usage and utilization rates
  • Trim patterns and drawings
  • Master appearance samples
  • Trim specifications and retainer/attachment concepts
  • CASO Process and Documentation Initiation
• Work closely with the design studio to ensure alignment with design themes and specifications.
• Order and manage inventory of soft trim development materials for all programs.
• Provide initial costing analysis and quoting support for soft trim components and sub-assemblies and participate in defining project requirements and budgets.
• Direct foam A-Surface design to ensure optimal seating comfort and styling.
• Assist in training and developing trim technicians and trim engineers, ensuring their skills align with IMMI design specifications.
• Create and maintain essential documents, including DFMEA, DVP&R, and APQP/PAP records.
• Establish and maintain sewing specifications and appearance guidelines for all soft trim parts and assemblies.
• Assist in managing daily activities in the trim shop and support the training and onboarding of new employees.
• Promote development opportunities for staff and recognize continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
• Ensure all designs meet IMMI’s requirements by reviewing design information and confirming completeness.
• Develop and manage bills of materials for prototypes and production, determining tooling and compliance requirements.
• Create and release trim cover drawings, perform cut & sew construction techniques, and select appropriate materials and attachment strategies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers on sewing processes and layout, supporting troubleshooting and problem resolution.
• Conduct monthly audits and reporting on the 5S process, maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
• Uphold Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, participating in necessary investigations and reporting.
• Support IMMI’s Quality Management System, adhering to ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14000 standards.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience (8+ years) in trim development, with a proven track record of managing 4 full project releases from phase 2 through production launch.
• Minimum of 8 years in soft trim and foam development, with expertise in foam skiving and A-Surface management.
• Proficient in paper and digitized pattern development, automotive cut & sew construction techniques, and material selection.
• Familiarity with DVP&R, DFMEA, DFM/A, APQP, PPAP, and related documentation.
• Experience with AutoCAD, CATIA V5, and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Understanding of ISO/TS16949 and ISO 14000 requirements and procedures.
• Strong leadership and supervisory abilities, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Willingness to travel as needed. 

Benefits:

• Team Member Ownership/ESOP
• Healthcare, vision, dental options
• Company paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Ten (10) paid holidays.
• Two (2) IMMI Serves volunteer days per year.
• Onsite Health and Wellness Center
• Onsite Gym
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Bonus Opportunities
• 401k
• Tuition Assistance