Upholstery Technician

The Automotive Upholstery Technician is responsible for the removal, preparation, trimming, fitting and installation of automotive interior upholstery components to premium quality standards.

The role covers seats, headrests, door panels, dashboards, consoles, headliners and other interior trim components, ensuring correct fit, tension, alignment and finish.

The position also supports prototype development, complex fitment work and technical problem solving.

Business Rationale / Role Justification

• Premium interior modification requires highly skilled upholsterers capable of delivering consistent fit, finish and craftsmanship.
• The role ensures accurately sewn components are correctly fitted and installed without damaging vehicle interiors or materials.
• Senior technical capability is required for prototype work, complex trims and premium/luxury vehicle applications.
• Skilled upholsterers help reduce rework, fitment defects and customer quality complaints.

Roles and Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Upholstery Removal & Installation: Remove and reinstall seats, trim panels, headliners and interior components safely and correctly.
• Trimming & Fitment: Fit and tension leather, Alcantara, synthetic leather, fabric and other upholstery materials to approved patterns and specifications.
• Foam Preparation: Shape, repair and modify seat foam and supporting materials where required to achieve correct contour and comfort.
• Premium Finishing: Ensure clean edges, correct alignment, smooth surfaces, consistent tension and high-quality finishing throughout the vehicle interior.
• Prototype & Custom Work: Support prototype builds and customized interior projects, providing practical feedback on pattern fit, construction and assembly.
• Technical Problem Solving: Identify and resolve fitment, tension, alignment, foam and installation issues during production.
• Quality Inspection: Inspect completed upholstery work before release and correct any workmanship defects.
• Vehicle Protection: Protect customer vehicles and interior components throughout dismantling, production and installation.
• Material Handling: Handle leather, Alcantara and other premium materials carefully to prevent damage, contamination or unnecessary waste.
• Team Support: Provide technical guidance and practical support to junior upholsterers and assistants when required.

Key Accountabilities

• Premium-quality upholstery fitment and finishing.
• First-time-right installation with minimal rework.
• Safe handling of vehicles and interior components.
• Correct execution of approved patterns and production specifications.
• Timely completion of assigned upholstery work.
• Technical support for prototypes and complex jobs.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Upholstery Fit & Finish Quality
• First-Time-Right Performance
• Production Output & Timeliness
• Vehicle & Material Protection
• Rework & Defect Control
• Prototype & Technical Support
• Workshop Safety & Discipline

Indicative Key Performance Indicators

• First-Time-Right Quality: ≥95% of completed work accepted without major rework.
• Fit & Finish: Maintain approved standards for alignment, tension, contour and finishing.
• Rework Control: Minimize upholstery-related defects and repeat installation.
• Production Delivery: Complete assigned jobs within planned production timelines.
• Vehicle Protection: Zero major preventable vehicle damage caused during dismantling or installation.
• Material Care: Minimize avoidable material damage or waste due to handling or workmanship.
• Safety: Zero preventable incidents related to incorrect tools, dismantling or installation practices.

Qualifications / Requirements / Experience

• Technical or vocational training in automotive upholstery, trimming or a related trade is preferred.
• Strong practical knowledge of automotive seat upholstery, door panels, dashboards, consoles, headliners and trim components.
• Skilled in fitting leather, Alcantara, synthetic leather, fabric, foam and related materials.
• Strong knowledge of trimming, stretching, tensioning, gluing, foam shaping and interior assembly.
• Ability to interpret patterns, production specifications and sewing references.
• Good knowledge of safe dismantling and installation of automotive interior components.
• Strong attention to detail and premium finishing standards.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve fitment and workmanship issues.

Experience (Years of experience, Sector, Local / International)

• 5 - 8 years of relevant automotive upholstery / trimming experience.
• Strong hands-on experience in seat upholstery, interior trimming and vehicle interior installation.
• Experience working on premium and luxury vehicles is strongly preferred.
• Experience in automotive customization, coachbuilding, aviation, marine or premium interior production is advantageous.
• Previous experience supporting prototype or custom upholstery projects is preferred.

Core & Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

• Automotive Upholstery & Trimming
• Fitment & Finishing
• Foam Shaping & Preparation
• Vehicle Interior Dismantling / Assembly
• Material Handling
• Quality Orientation
• Technical Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Vehicle Protection
• Production Discipline Leadership / Behavioral Competencies
• Accountability & Ownership
• Quality Focus
• Reliability
• Craftsmanship
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Coaching & Knowledge Sharing
• Continuous Improvement

Pay: AED3,000.00 - AED5,500.00 per month

Location:

• Sharjah (Required)

Work Location: In person