Product Designer

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Regular Full-Time Albuquerque, NM, US

Jewelry CAD Designer

Join a dynamic, high-volume custom jewelry manufacturing environment where your expertise in CAD design will directly impact product quality, customer satisfaction, and manufacturing efficiency. As a Jewelry CAD Designer, you will transform customer concepts, sketches, and specifications into accurate, production-ready 3D models that support casting, fabrication, stone setting, assembly, and finishing operations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring designs are both aesthetically exceptional and manufacturable while meeting quality standards and production timelines.

• Create detailed and accurate 3D jewelry models utilizing approved CAD software.
• Develop rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, chains, findings, components, and custom jewelry designs.
• Interpret sketches, renderings, photographs, specifications, measurements, and verbal design instructions.
• Build models with appropriate tolerances, dimensions, wall thicknesses, clearances, and structural integrity.
• Modify existing designs while preserving design intent and production requirements.
• Create design variations, alternate sizes, stone configurations, and customer-specific modifications.

• Ensure all designs are optimized for manufacturing processes including:
  • Wax and resin printing
  • Casting
  • Fabrication
  • Stone setting
  • Assembly
  • Finishing
• Incorporate appropriate metal thicknesses, stone seats, prongs, channels, solder joints, and assembly clearances.
• Identify manufacturability risks and resolve potential issues before designs are released to production.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to address design challenges and improve production outcomes.
• Integrate gemstones, findings, and components according to design specifications.
• Verify stone dimensions, spacing, orientation, and setting requirements.
• Ensure settings are designed appropriately for stone size, shape, security, and manufacturing methods.

• Prepare production-ready CAD files according to company standards.
• Support manufacturing teams with design modifications and technical troubleshooting.
• Implement corrections identified during prototyping, casting, fabrication, stone setting, or finishing processes.
• Assist in resolving recurring design and manufacturing issues.

• Review designs for accuracy, completeness, and manufacturability before release.
• Maintain CAD file naming conventions, revision control, and documentation standards.
• Document design changes and customer-specific requirements.
• Participate in CAD and production audits as required.
• Identify opportunities to improve CAD standards, workflows, libraries, and templates.
• Develop reusable design components and standardized features.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Value Stream teams to eliminate recurring design defects and improve overall efficiency.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in jewelry CAD design and 3D modeling.
• Proficiency with jewelry CAD software such as Rhino, Matrix Gold, 3
  
  Design, JewelCAD, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency with 3D Printing specific to spring and grow plate layouts
• Strong knowledge of jewelry construction and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of gemstone shapes, dimensions, setting methods, and material properties.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Strong computer, file management, and organizational skills.

• Formal education in Jewelry Design, CAD Modeling, Engineering, Product Design, or a related field.
• Experience designing for casting, fabrication, and stone setting operations.
• Experience working within a high-volume custom manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of precious metals, manufacturing tolerances, shrinkage factors, and finishing allowances.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
• Adaptability and…