CAD - Product Developer

Jackson Furniture Ind.•Cleveland, TN

22h

About The Position

We are seeking a versatile and skilled Product Developer who can support frame engineering, upholstery pattern development, and foam design to join our Research & Development Team. This role combines CAD frame design, upholstery pattern making, foam specification work, and hands-on sample building. The ideal candidate can work seamlessly between digital design (AutoCAD & Assyst) and physical prototyping, helping launch new products efficiently and accurately.

Requirements

Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D/3D drafting (required).
Proficiency in Assyst (or comparable pattern-making software) for pattern design.
Understanding of upholstery construction, sewing techniques, and frame structure.
Basic understanding of foam densities, ILD, and comfort construction.
Ability to read blueprints, engineering drawings, and 3D layouts.
Ability to visualize 3D shapes and translate them into accurate 2D patterns.
Understanding how frame, foam, and fabric interact during upholstery.
Strong accuracy in measurements and pattern/foam details.
Ability to detect design, comfort, or fit issues early.
Clear communication with engineers, sewers, upholsterers, foam suppliers, and plant leads.
Professional and solution-based approach when identifying errors.
Ability to collaborate across multiple departments simultaneously.
Experience in upholstery pattern development and CAD drafting.
Assyst (or comparable pattern-making software) experience required.
AutoCAD experience required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SolidWorks (preferred, not required).
Experience with foam design or upholstery comfort systems preferred.
Upholstery, sewing, drafting, or engineering background strongly preferred.
Prior furniture industry experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Frame Design & Engineering (AutoCAD)
Create, update, and maintain 2D and 3D frame drawings in AutoCAD.
Draft frame assemblies, cut parts, jig templates, mechanical components, and spec diagrams.
Interpret engineering notes, design updates, and prototype feedback.
Support frame changes during development, testing, and production launch.
Assist with mechanism layouts and mechanical interactions for motion furniture.
Pattern Design & Upholstery Development (Assyst)
Develop digital upholstery patterns in Assyst (required).
Add seam allowances, notches, grainlines, match points, and sewing marks.
Validate patterns through physical builds on frames.
Revise patterns based on fit issues, ease requirements, or sewing feedback.
Maintain revision control, pattern libraries, and digital documentation.
Foam Design & Product Comfort Development
Assist in designing foam components for seats, backs, and arms.
Evaluate and document foam densities, ILD ratings, layering, and cut shapes.
Work with suppliers and internal teams to test comfort variations.
Update foam drawings, specifications, and part lists during development.
Verify foam fit during prototype builds and recommend improvements.
Prototyping & Sample Building
Build sample frames and assist with upholstery fit-up as needed.
Use hand tools, staple guns, and standard shop equipment.
Support sewing & upholstery teams during sample builds and pilot runs.
Identify, build, or comfort issues early and propose corrective actions.
Manufacturing & Launch Support
Work directly with plant management during early production trials.
Troubleshoot cut/sew, upholstery, or foam-fit issues on the production floor.
Provide clear communication to operators, supervisors, and engineers.
Support continuous improvement initiatives across product lines.
Measurement, Data Collection & Documentation
Measure components, record specs, and maintain technical documents.
Create and update cut part lists, BOMs, upholstery maps, and foam spec sheets.
Track and maintain accurate documentation for frame, pattern, and foam components.
Organize and maintain digital files according to development standards.
Ensure all BOM and spec data is updated consistently during the development cycle.
Communicate changes clearly across teams.