What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Development Pattern/Spec Maker position at Hooker Furniture?
Product Development Pattern/Spec Maker
The Company:
Shenandoah Furniture, a division of Hooker Furnishings Corporation. Hooker Furnishings, is in its 100th year of business, is a designer, marketer and importer of case goods (wooden and metal furniture), leather furniture and fabric-upholstered furniture for the residential, hospitality and contract markets.
Shenandoah Furniture specializes in manufacturing quality upper-end transitional and modern upholstered furniture. Shenandoah’s success can be traced to our ability to establish close working relationships with our customers and our willingness to develop exclusive products in partnership with our accounts. We have dedicated employees who produce quality products and provide quality service for our customers. Our artisans have been crafting high-quality upholstered furniture since 1981.
- We have a family-focused culture.
- We are committed to giving back to our community.
- We believe in our product and craft each piece of furniture with pride and care.
The Position:
We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Product Development Pattern/Spec Maker to join our domestic upholstery manufacturing team in our Valdese, NC location. This role is critical in transforming design concepts into production-ready patterns and specifications, ensuring high-quality and efficient production processes. The ideal candidate will have expertise in pattern creation, upholstery construction, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop innovative and market-ready products.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Pattern Creation and Modification:
- Develop precise patterns for new upholstery designs, ensuring adherence to design specifications and manufacturing capabilities.
- Modify existing patterns to improve production efficiency and product quality.
- Currently, patterns are created manually by hand. Over the next year, the process will transition to CAD-based pattern creation, including training and implementation of CAD software.
- Specification Development:
- Create detailed and accurate product specifications, including materials, dimensions, and upholstery construction details.
- Maintain comprehensive and organized documentation of all patterns and specifications.
- Collaboration with Design and Production Teams:
- Work closely with the design team to interpret design concepts and transform them into production-ready patterns.
- Collaborate with production teams to ensure patterns and specs are optimized for manufacturing processes.
- Provide technical support and solutions to address production challenges.
- Prototyping and Testing:
- Oversee the creation of prototypes and evaluate their fit, function, and appearance.
- Conduct revisions based on testing outcomes and feedback to achieve desired product standards.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Identify opportunities to streamline pattern-making processes and improve product development workflows.
- Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and techniques to ensure innovative and efficient practices.
Candidates that will be a great fit will have:
- Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years in pattern making or a related role in the upholstery or furniture industry.
- Strong knowledge of upholstery construction methods and materials.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in pattern-making tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, Lectra, Gerber, or similar).
- Ability to interpret and apply technical drawings, blueprints, and design concepts.
- Soft Skills:
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot design and production challenges.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Education:
- Associate’s degree or higher in Industrial Design, Textile Engineering, or a related field preferred.
(Education can be substituted with experience)
- Relevant certifications or training in pattern making or upholstery design are a plus.
- Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and handle materials and patterns up to 75lbs.
- Capability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing, bending, and using tools for extended periods
Why should you apply?
- A company committed to DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) values.
- Competitive compensation plans.
- 8 paid holidays (Plus an additional 2 floating holidays).
- Paid sick and vacation time.
- The ability to be a part of a Multinational, global organization with 14 locations in the US and offices in Vietnam and China.
- Career development focus including training opportunities and leadership development programs.
- Tuition reimbursement program.
- Emphasis on charitable giving and volunteering in our communities.
- Focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance).
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision plans including a generous employer health saving account (HSA) contribution each plan year.
- Matching 401k employer contributions.
- The opportunity to “earn while you learn” We do not offer jobs; we offer careers and the chance to learn a trade while advancing your skills
Shift: Monday – Thursday 6:30 am – 4:30 pm and Friday 6:30 am - 10:30 am (Overtime may be required to meet deadlines)
Pay: Dependent on experience.
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