Trim Engineer, Design & Styling at Tesla

What To Expect
Tesla’s Trim Engineer team is responsible for the development, optimization, and release of seat trim patterns and components to support high-quality seating systems. This role involves creating and refining seat cover patterns using CAD software and coordinating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to ensure manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency. The engineer will manage master pattern data, support production training, interface with cut/sew plants, and lead continuous improvements for current seat models. Strong technical communication, pattern development expertise, and a deep understanding of trim fabrication and assembly processes are essential for success in this role.

What You'll Do

Lead the trim engineering discussions for new vehicle programs – collaborating with associated foam/frame/plastics teams to develop new retention strategies, define all potential failure modes and design avoidance plans, define seat lifecycle appearance and functional expectations along with all associated testing criteria and methods

Lead the physical development by digitizing patterns, manipulating patterns real-time in CAD, evaluating nesting and identifying efficiency opportunities, control material types by pattern location, seam selvedge and orientation, all with respect to design for manufacturing, H-Point, safety, airbag and other regulatory content

Release trim CAD and complete product assembly package into PLM and write and promote Changes actions (CA) and deviations. Technical mastery in 2D pattern CAD (Accumark, Optitex, Lectra), pattern export formats, assembly drawing creation and requirements, BOM content control, etc.

Control and tune the performance specifications for all the following: thread chemistry per weight and use case, thread coatings, comprehensive retention strategies, airbag burst seam engineering and tolerance allowance

Trim/Build production feasible seat covers for Tesla design seating

Resolution of Open Issues arising from production builds, testing etc.

Cut and Sew experience for prototyping and manufacturing

What You'll Bring

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Apparel or Textile or Design, Textile Engineering, or equivalent experience

Knowledge of Trim development process and best practices

Knowledge of cut and sewability

Knowledge of Trim limitations and production constraints when establishing feasibility

Knowledge of Trim retention methods and best practices

Knowledge of Trim materials (PUR, cloth, PVC, carpet, foam)

CAD proficient and ability to generate 3D parts and read full CAD drawings

Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Bill of Materials (BOM) development

Benefits
Compensation and Benefits
Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction

Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits

Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution

Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA

Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits

Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays

Back-up childcare and parenting support resources

Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance

Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs

Tesla Babies program

Commuter benefits

Employee discounts and perks program

Expected Compensation

$92,720 - $305,400/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefits

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

, Tesla