Summary
The Jewelry CAD Designer is responsible for translating design concepts into production-ready 3D CAD models and technical drawings for finished goods, prototypes, and line extensions. Working in a design and innovation workshop environment, the role collaborates with designers, model makers, engineers, and manufacturing to ensure design integrity, manufacturability, and adherence to standards. The position requires expertise in CAD software and the ability to develop presentation-quality renderings and technical documentation.
Responsibilities
- Create, develop, and maintain 3D finished-goods CAD models and 2D technical drawings for new products, reverse engineering, and line extensions.
- Ensure models meet modeling best practices and manufacturing standards (closed solids, organized structure, appropriate density).
- Prepare presentation-quality renderings and technical illustrations using V-Ray, KeyShot, Maxwell, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- Collaborate with design, model making, engineering, and manufacturing to provide CAD direction, component breakout, and fabrication methods.
- Manage project timelines, update workflow tracking, and proactively communicate risks or barriers to delivery.
- Lead CAD discussions within project teams and develop/maintain shared standards, templates, and archives.
- Research and implement CAD workflow improvements and support technology implementation and troubleshooting.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in Jewelry Design, Jewelry Arts, Industrial/Fashion Design, or Engineering.
- Significant CAD and model-making training and experience with Rhino, Modo, SolidWorks, T-Splines, Z-Brush, Adobe CS, KeyShot, V-Ray, and Maxwell.
- Manufacturing knowledge of jewelry and related industries and experience with diverse materials and gemstones.
- Ability to create accurate technical documentation, maintain organized archives, and adhere to standards.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and the ability to meet urgent timelines under high demand.
- Preferred: formal goldsmithing/metalsmithing training, gemological or setting training, and 3-5 years' bench jeweler experience.
