Department: Production / Interior Assembly
Job Title: Automotive Upholsterer
Reports To: Interior Assembly Supervisor / Production Supervisor
Work Location: Al Kharj, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
Industry: Automotive, Military Vehicles, Vehicle Armoring and Industrial Manufacturing
1. Job Purpose
To manufacture, repair, cover, and install automotive upholstery and interior finishing components for commercial, military, armored, and specialized vehicles. The role involves measuring, cutting, sewing, shaping, and fitting upholstery materials for seats, door panels, headliners, armrests, and other interior components while ensuring high standards of workmanship, durability, comfort, and appearance.
2. Key Responsibilities
Automotive Upholstery and Seat Manufacturing
• Measure, cut, sew, and fit upholstery materials for vehicle seats, headrests, armrests, and other interior components.
• Upholster vehicle seats using approved fabrics, vinyl, leather, foam, and other specified materials.
• Prepare seat covers, cushions, backrests, and upholstery components according to approved patterns and dimensions.
• Install and secure upholstery materials using suitable sewing, stapling, fastening, and bonding techniques.
• Replace worn, damaged, or defective upholstery materials and repair existing vehicle interiors.
• Ensure that completed upholstery meets required standards for fit, comfort, durability, and appearance.
Cutting, Sewing, and Material Preparation
• Read and interpret upholstery patterns, templates, measurements, and technical instructions.
• Measure and mark materials accurately to minimize waste and ensure consistent fitment.
• Operate industrial sewing machines and upholstery equipment safely and efficiently.
• Cut, stitch, shape, and assemble upholstery materials according to specified designs.
• Prepare foam padding, backing materials, protective covers, and supporting components.
• Select suitable threads, adhesives, fasteners, and finishing materials for each application.
Vehicle Interior Installation
• Install upholstered seats, door trims, armrests, headliners, and other interior finishing components.
• Fit upholstery materials securely while maintaining proper alignment, tension, seams, and finishing.
• Coordinate with interior fitters and assembly technicians to ensure correct installation.
• Ensure upholstery does not obstruct seat adjustment mechanisms, seat belts, controls, access panels, or other vehicle safety features.
• Protect completed upholstery and surrounding vehicle components from damage during installation.
• Support the finishing and final assembly of commercial, military, and specialized vehicles.
Military and Specialized Vehicle Upholstery
• Manufacture and install upholstery for military, armored, and specialized vehicle interiors.
• Work with approved materials suitable for the intended operating environment and project specifications.
• Prepare and fit seat covers, protective upholstery, and interior soft-trim components according to approved drawings.
• Coordinate with engineering and production teams regarding seat dimensions, mounting arrangements, and interior configurations.
• Follow project-specific requirements for material performance, durability, cleanability, and fire resistance where applicable.
• Maintain confidentiality when working on defense-related vehicle projects.
Quality Control and Finishing
• Inspect upholstery for stitching quality, seam alignment, material defects, wrinkles, loose fittings, and surface imperfections.
• Verify dimensions, fitment, and finishing against approved specifications.
• Repair defects and adjust upholstery components to achieve the required quality.
• Ensure consistency in color, texture, stitching, and overall appearance where specified.
• Support quality inspectors during in-process inspections and final vehicle acceptance.
• Report material defects, equipment problems, and recurring quality issues to the supervisor.
Tools, Equipment, and Workplace Safety
• Operate industrial sewing machines, cutting tools, staplers, and upholstery equipment.
• Maintain tools and machinery in good working condition.
• Handle adhesives, cleaning agents, foam, fabrics, and other materials according to safety instructions.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow workshop safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation and minimize material waste.
• Follow company procedures for material storage and disposal.
3. Qualifications and Experience
• Technical certificate, vocational qualification, or practical training in Automotive Upholstery, Upholstery, Sewing, or a related trade.
• Typically 2–5 years of practical experience in automotive upholstery or vehicle interior finishing.
• Experience in seat upholstery, industrial sewing, foam padding, and automotive trim installation.
• Experience in vehicle manufacturing, commercial vehicle interiors, or specialized vehicle conversion is preferred.
• Experience with military or armored vehicle interiors is an advantage.
• Ability to read basic patterns, measurements, templates, and technical instructions.
• Experience operating industrial sewing machines is required for roles involving seat-cover manufacturing.
4. Technical Skills
• Proficiency in cutting, stitching, sewing, and fitting automotive upholstery materials.
• Knowledge of fabrics, vinyl, leather, foam, backing materials, and upholstery fasteners.
• Ability to operate industrial sewing machines and related upholstery equipment.
• Understanding of seat-cover patterns, seam construction, material tension, and finishing techniques.
• Ability to measure and cut materials accurately.
• Familiarity with upholstery repair, replacement, and installation procedures.
• Knowledge of automotive interior components and seat assembly requirements.
• Awareness of material performance, durability, and applicable vehicle interior safety requirements.
5. Core Competencies
• Excellent manual dexterity and craftsmanship.
• Attention to detail and finishing quality.
• Accuracy in measuring, cutting, and sewing.
• Ability to follow patterns and technical instructions.
• Practical problem-solving skills.
• Teamwork and effective communication.
• Time management and productivity.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Quality and consistency of upholstery workmanship.
• First-time acceptance rate of upholstered components.
• Number of stitching defects, material defects, and rework incidents.
• Timely completion of assigned upholstery tasks.
• Efficient utilization of fabrics, foam, and other materials.
• Compliance with approved patterns and technical specifications.
• Quality of seat covers, upholstery repairs, and interior finishing.
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