Senior Jewelry Designer at Catbird NYC Brooklyn, NY

Senior Jewelry Designer

Catbird NYC is looking for a Senior Jewelry Designer to join our Design & Product Development team. This key creative role is responsible for shaping core collections and limited‑edition pieces that reflect Catbird’s signature aesthetic. You’ll bring ideas from concept to production, blending historical jewelry knowledge, current trends, and Catbird’s heritage into designs that delight our customers and uphold the brand’s values.

Founded over 21 years ago in Brooklyn, NY, Catbird has become an icon in the jewelry world. Both our brick‑and‑mortar stores and our online store showcase a carefully curated selection of designers, including our in‑house line. Our Brooklyn studio crafts a few pieces in‑house, while other designs are made with trusted partners using ethically sourced materials and conflict‑free stones. Catbird is proud to be a member of the CFDA, certified Made in New York, and No Dirty Gold.

Our core values include:

• Being an anti‑racist organization that champions diversity, inclusion, and equity
• Creating pieces people will keep forever and that bring continuous joy
• Producing everything in‑house whenever possible
• Thinking long‑term rather than chasing quick profit
• Exercising deep respect, kindness, and honesty with coworkers, customers, and vendors

• Partner on the design and development of core collections, special projects, and limited‑edition jewelry, from concept sketches through production‑ready deliverables
• Translate Catbird’s aesthetic, heritage, trend and historical/archival research, and merchandising plans into design concepts that align with commercial goals and category strategies
• Produce high‑quality sketches, renderings, technical specifications, and presentations that communicate design intent to internal teams and external partners
• Collaborate with CAD designers, sample makers, and production teams to ensure designs are technically accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with costing strategy to meet margin goals
• Work closely with the Design Manager on design strategy, prioritization, and project planning
• Mentor and work with our designers and sample makers, providing feedback and fostering a collaborative, high‑performing culture
• Research materials, techniques, and construction methods to continually enhance Catbird’s craftsmanship and innovation
• Maintain oversight of multiple concurrent projects and ensure timely completion of all design deliverables
• Please submit a portfolio in order to be considered for this position

• 8‑10+ years of professional jewelry design experience, fine jewelry preferred
• Degree in Jewelry Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or equivalent professional experience
• Exceptional hand‑drawing and rendering skills; proficiency in CAD (Rhino, Matrix) and Adobe Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience with gemstone sourcing, strong knowledge of gemology, jewelry manufacturing techniques, metals, and pricing considerations
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Awareness of the competitive retail landscape, with genuine interest in market trends and brand positioning
• Collaborative with excellent communication skills, comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback
• Deeply passionate about jewelry, with a strong appreciation for Catbird’s aesthetic, historical influences, and contemporary design trends
• Curious, creative, and committed to craftsmanship and design excellence

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holiday schedule
• Employee discounts on Catbird products
• Opportunities for continued education and professional development
• Access to a collaborative, sustainable, and creative work environment

You’ll join a close‑knit, collaborative team dedicated to creating jewelry with meaning and story. You’ll shape designs that resonate deeply with our customers, enjoy the freedom to explore your creativity, contribute to the brand’s direction, and mentor a talented team of designers. You’ll work in a studio that values curiosity, sustainability, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design, while collaborating closely with the Design Manager, Director of Design & Development and Chief Creative Officer to ensure all projects align with Catbird’s creative vision and business priorities.