Automotive Development Surface Materials Engineer (Textile)

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AUTOMOTIVE DEVELOPMENT SURFACE MATERIALS ENGINEER (TEXTILE)

KENANSVILLE, NC

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Textile Seating Fabric Engineer to join our automotive research and development engineering team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for the development, testing, and validation of our ReNewKnitTM product line as well as other seating fabrics used in vehicle interiors, ensuring compliance with performance, safety, and aesthetic standards. This role involves close collaboration with design, manufacturing, and supplier teams to deliver high-quality, durable, and cost-effective textile solutions. The position is under the direction of the Global Textile Engineering Director the Development Engineer.

The Role:

Your work will include, but not be limited to:

• Develop and engineer new textile materials and seating fabrics for automotive interior applications with focus on our ReNewKnitTM product portfolio in North America.
• Focus on development of textile surface finishing techniques for creation and duplication of our ReNewKnitTM product offerings, which includes material routings and machine set-ups.
• Evaluate fabric properties including durability, flammability, abrasion resistance, and other OEM specifications relative to end-use.
• Collaborate with design teams to meet aesthetic, haptics and functional requirements.
• Ensure compliance with OEM and industry standards for product validation and capability.
• Conduct failure analysis and problem-solving for fabric-related issues in the development phase.
• Support prototype development, testing, and production launch activities.
• Prepare technical documentation, material specifications, and test reports.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives by evaluating eco-friendly and sustainable materials and processes.
  
  

Your Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive or industrial textiles (seating fabric experience preferred) with experience on surface finishing techniques.
• Strong understanding of textile manufacturing processes, weaving/knitting, dyeing, and finishing.
• Familiarity with automotive quality systems and testing protocols.
• Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency in textile testing equipment and analytical tools.
  
  

Advantages of working at Lear:

• Opportunities for advancement across Lear's manufacturing network and corporate offices.

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Lear Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workplace.

Applicants must submit their resume for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.