Custom & PD Upholster/Trimmer

Job Description

Job Title: Custom & PD Upholster / Trimmer

Department: Upholstery
Location: Plant 5 – 210 4^th Street SW Conover NC 28613
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt – Hourly Pay

Schedule- Monday–Thursday: 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. & Fridays: 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Overtime may be required beyond the posted work schedule and may vary on a weekly basis.

We are continuing to grow and are currently hiring for multiple full-time positions offering consistent 40–45-hour workweeks, no Saturday schedules, and a comprehensive benefits package. Employees receive free access to our onsite healthcare clinic beginning on day one for themselves, their spouses, and children. Additional benefits include two company-wide shutdown weeks each year, paid vacation time, and the opportunity to build a long-term career with a stable and growing company.

Position Summary

LEE Industries is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Custom & PD Upholster / Trimmer to work closely with the Product Development (PD) Engineering team in the development of new, custom, and special-build upholstered furniture.

This position will be an integral part of the Product Development process and will work directly alongside PD Engineers to evaluate upholstery construction, improve patterns, identify potential production challenges, and ensure upholstery specifications meet LEE Industries’ quality and construction standards.

The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on upholstery and trimming experience, excellent attention to detail, a problem-solving mindset, and a commitment to producing high-quality upholstered products. This role requires someone who can translate upholstery concepts and engineering specifications into practical, efficient, and repeatable construction methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with Product Development Engineers on new product introductions, custom products, prototypes, and special builds.
• Build and evaluate upholstery prototypes to determine the best construction methods and techniques.
• Review, modify, and improve upholstery patterns to support ease of manufacturing, consistency, fit, and overall product quality.
• Partner with PD Engineers to identify potential upholstery or construction issues early in the development process.
• Provide hands-on expertise and recommendations regarding fabric application, pattern development, cutting, sewing, trimming, and upholstery construction.
• Help establish and approve upholstery specifications that align with LEE Industries’ construction, quality, and appearance standards.
• Evaluate prototypes and first-build samples for fit, appearance, comfort, seam placement, pattern alignment, and overall workmanship.
• Recommend improvements to patterns, specifications, and construction methods to improve efficiency and quality without compromising design intent.
• Assist in developing practical solutions for complex or unique upholstery applications.
• Communicate effectively with Product Development, Engineering, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams.
• Document and communicate upholstery construction requirements, changes, and recommendations as needed.
• Support the transition of new and custom products from Product Development into production.
• Maintain a high level of craftsmanship and serve as a resource for upholstery-related technical questions.
• Help identify opportunities to improve repeatability, reduce rework, and make products easier to build while maintaining LEE Industries’ quality standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience in upholstery and/or furniture trimming.
• Strong understanding of upholstered furniture construction and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read, understand, and work from patterns, drawings, specifications, and product-development documentation.
• Strong knowledge of upholstery materials, fabrics, leathers, foam, decking, seams, welt, and related components.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality.
• Ability to identify fit, pattern, construction, and appearance issues and develop practical solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers and other members of a product development team.
• Ability to work independently while also taking direction and incorporating feedback.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet development timelines.
• Ability to work full-time
• Must be flexible to work overtime when required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in custom furniture, high-end upholstery, or product development.
• Experience working with furniture patterns and pattern modifications.
• Experience developing or improving upholstery specifications.
• Experience with prototype development and first-piece/sample approval.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or continuous-improvement principles.
• Experience working directly with engineering, product development, or quality teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for up to 10 hours
• Ability to use hand tools, air tools, and staple guns for up to 10 hours
• Regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Constant use of arms & hands (minimum of 10 hours daily)

LEE Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law