Trim Engineering Principal Engineer / Senior Engineering Manager

General Description

IAC Group is seeking an experienced Trim Engineering Principal Engineer / Senior Engineering Manager to lead the development and digitization of trim patterns for automotive interior products. This position is responsible for managing a team of Trim Engineers, development sewers, and technical personnel while partnering closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Design, and Production teams to support new product development, prototype builds, advanced engineering projects, product launches, and ongoing manufacturing operations.

The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader for cut, sew, and wrap processes, ensuring designs are manufacturable, efficient, and capable of supporting high-volume production. This role will also provide expertise in troubleshooting production and quality concerns while driving continuous improvement across trim engineering operations.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in automotive trim engineering, pattern development, cut-and-sew manufacturing, wrapping processes, or related fields.
• Experience supporting product development, prototype builds, program launches, and ongoing production operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineers, technical professionals, development sewers, or similar teams.
• Experience working with automotive interior materials, including leather, PVC, TPO, and other synthetic materials.
• Experience collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams.
• Experience supporting manufacturing facilities and driving process improvement initiatives.
• Previous experience managing departmental budgets, staffing, and performance evaluations preferred.
• Experience supporting domestic and international manufacturing operations is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Technical Knowledge

• Advanced expertise in pattern development and pattern-making techniques.
• Strong knowledge of seam design, seam placement, and seam alignment.
• Understanding of automotive cut, sew, and wrap manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of adhesives, bonding materials, spraying applications, and wrap techniques.
• Understanding of manufacturing feasibility and process optimization.
• Knowledge of CAD file management, storage, and pattern organization.

Software & Systems

• Proficiency with Gerber cutting systems.
• Experience using Lectra AccuMark software.
• Experience with 2D sewing software.
• Embroidery software experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize sewing operations and equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and develop wrapping processes for automotive interior components.
• Hands-on understanding of wrapping automotive interior parts.
• Ability to identify and proactively address potential production and launch issues.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to provide coaching, direction, and constructive feedback.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with internal and external customers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible, innovative, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel regularly to IAC production facilities, including international locations.
• Ability to travel up to two weeks per month during peak launch periods.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment in accordance with 5S standards.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds and perform occasional kneeling, reaching, and material handling as required.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.