Pattern Maker — Upholstery Manufacturing

About Us

We are a well-established upholstery manufacturer in New Jersey producing custom soft-trim products. We're looking for someone who can contribute to the technical side of product development — taking concepts and templates through to shop-floor-ready packages that our sewing and assembly team can execute without guesswork.

The Role

You'll be responsible for the full development cycle: converting physical templates into digital formats, writing sewing and assembly specs, documenting materials and components, and making sure everything is right before it reaches the shop floor. You work closely with operators and are the last set of eyes before production begins.

Key Responsibilities

Template Development

• Convert physical templates and samples into digital files using CAD/nesting software
• Evaluate samples and reference items to determine all materials, components, and fabrication methods required
• Optimize templates for automated cutting and production efficiency
• Maintain a well-organized digital template library

Production Documentation

• Write clear sewing specs, assembly sequences, and fabrication notes for the shop floor
• Document all required materials, trim, hardware, and special processes for each product
• Set up product structures and bills of material in our inventory system
• Walk through each new product with sewing and assembly operators before production begins to confirm clarity and completeness

Quality Verification

• Monitor initial builds to confirm products match specs and meet quality standards
• Troubleshoot fit, material, or process issues and update documentation accordingly

Ongoing Improvement

• Collect feedback from operators and refine templates, specs, and processes over time
• Track recurring issues and fix them at the source so they don't repeat
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput and reduce rework

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Strong background in sewing, upholstery fabrication, and soft-trim manufacturing
• Experience digitizing templates using CAD or nesting software (e.g., Gerber, Lectra, Optitex, or similar)
• At least 2 years in a product development, pattern-making, or technical role within upholstery, soft goods, marine, furniture, aviation, or garment manufacturing
• Ability to write production specs and assembly instructions that operators can follow without hand-holding
• Sharp eye for detail — you catch missing components and process gaps before the shop floor does
• Self-directed and organized — you manage your own priorities and deliver on time without constant oversight

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience working alongside sewing and assembly operators
• Familiarity with inventory or ERP systems and product structure management
• Experience with automated cutting equipment
• Background in automotive, marine, or specialty products is a plus but not required

What We Offer

• $25 – $38/hr depending on experience
• Full-time, Monday – Friday, 8-hour day shifts
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Bonus opportunities based on performance
• A hands-on role where your work has direct, visible impact on the product and the team
• You'll work alongside experienced sewing and assembly operators in a collaborative shop environment

Work Location: In person — New Jersey. Exact facility location will be shared during the interview process — we are located in the greater Newark/Essex County area

Portfolio or work samples encouraged — examples of patterns, templates, production documentation, or diagrams you've created.