What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upholstered Furniture Exterior Designer position at SOUTHERN MOTION?
About the Role
We are seeking a technically strong and detail-oriented Furniture Exterior Designer to lead the development of exterior components for upholstered furniture. This role goes beyond styling—you will drive material selection, engineering of soft goods, and performance of all visible surfaces to ensure durability, manufacturability, and quality. You’ll play a key role in bridging design intent with real-world production and long-term product performance.
What You’ll Do
Design and engineer exterior components for upholstered furniture, including covers, cushions, seams, trims, and finishes
Select and specify materials such as fabrics, leathers, foams, batting, and stitching methods based on durability, cost, and performance requirements
Develop detailed specifications for upholstery construction, including seam types, stitch patterns, tolerances, and fit standards
Collaborate closely with frame design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure proper fit, function, and assembly
Evaluate materials for wear resistance, colorfastness, comfort, and cleanability
Support prototyping, sample reviews, and product validation to ensure designs meet quality and performance standards
Troubleshoot production and field issues related to upholstery, materials, or fit and provide corrective solutions
Optimize designs for efficient cutting, sewing, and assembly processes
Ensure compliance with company quality standards and relevant industry performance requirements
What We’re Looking For
2 years of experience in furniture design, upholstery engineering, or soft goods product development
Strong knowledge of upholstery construction techniques, including sewing, patterning, and material behavior
Understanding of materials such as textiles, leather, foam, adhesives, and support components
Experience creating detailed product specifications and technical documentation
Ability to work with CAD or patterning software (e.g., Gerber, Lectra, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on product performance and durability
High attention to detail and quality standards
Nice to Have
Experience in upholstered furniture manufacturing or mass production environments
Knowledge of fabric testing standards (abrasion, pilling, tensile strength, etc.)
Familiarity with cut-and-sew optimization and material yield improvement
Exposure to supplier/material sourcing and qualification processes
Experience with cost engineering and product lifecycle improvements
Why Join Us
Work for a leading global manufacturer of Motion and Stationary home products
Play a key role in improving product durability, quality, and customer satisfaction
Work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams
Hands-on involvement from concept through production and field performance
Competitive compensation and benefits with opportunities for growth
Work Environment
This position combines design/technical office work with hands-on involvement in prototyping and time on the production floor. Regular interaction with materials, sample builds, and manufacturing processes is expected.
Pay: From $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000