Jeweler - JDIW

Position

Tiffany & Co. is one of the most legendary brands in the world today. With a history that spans back to 1837, Tiffany & Co is a jeweler and specialty retailer, whose merchandise offerings include an extensive selection of jewelry, as well as timepieces, sterling silverware, china, crystal, stationery, fragrances and accessories.

Tiffany & Co. operates a Jewelry Design and Innovation Workshop (JDIW) in New York City, which enables us to increase technical focus on innovation from design through to production. The Jeweler's primary responsibility will be on physically translating complex design concepts from CAD (files, models, and drawings), hand sketches, and verbal direction into reality.  The position will focus on ensuring design for manufacturability, product functionality and integrity, as well as providing guidance, input, and acting as a role model and mentor to all JDIW teams.  The position will include 5 key accountabilities including Prototype Creation, Communication, Support for Cross Functional Partners, Collaboration & Leadership and Technology Leader.  Functions under each key accountability are consistent with Tiffany’s Performance Acceleration, Leaders at all Levels Competency Framework (Lead Yourself, Inspire Others, and Shape the Future).

Key Accountabilities:

Prototype Creation:

• The primary function of the Model Maker is to translate complex design concepts into reality by physically constructing Mock-Ups, Soft Prototypes, Templates, Tools and Models when needed, based on direction from Design and JDIW teams, while adhering to project timelines and delivery dates.
• Provide timely and innovative solutions to complex mechanical problems, at any point in development
• Ensure all models created are in keeping with Tiffany best practices, Tiffany quality and manufacturing standards (e.g., metal is not too thin for safety or functionality, clasps function, etc.), and hit the project targets (e.g., edges are crisp and sharp where required, object geometry is not changed and matches agreed project targets and requirements, etc.)

Communication:

• Proactively monitor individual timelines and project status. 
• Adhere to overall project schedule and accurate completion of projects. 
• Identify and effectively communicate to POD and management, any potential barriers or risk to meeting due dates, and any other project related issues and concerns as soon as they arise.   
• Proactively communicate critical issues that may impact manufacturing and/or quality of final product (e.g., meeting of tolerances, reliability between 3D CAD and final product) at all points in development. 
• Adhere to all departmental policies and communicate effectively to management when any deviations occur.
• Actively check and respond to emails in a timely manner. 

Support for Cross Functional Partners:

• Interface with Design, JDIW teams, and Manufacturing on product functionality, manufacturability, manufacturing methods and technical design elements.
• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, and in consultation with JDIW teams, provide initial direction on component breakout, construction, and design for functionality and production manufacturing methods.
• Proactively provide mechanical and technical design leadership amongst coworkers. Communicate with JDIW counterparts on risks and opportunities.
• Support internal and external suppliers as needed by the project team to demonstrate product requirements and techniques.
• Provide input for the CRD (Critical Requirement Document) work instructions to accurately reflect actual work steps, order, and timing.
• Work with Senior Model Makers, and Engineering to provide timing for all manufacturing steps for rapid cost creation, and capacity planning.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Provide initial direction/advice on construction, methods of fabrication for prototypes, costing and technical documentation to the JDIW teams, with a focus on repeatability and manufacturability.  All direction/advice to be provided with a focus on production, not only what might work for the individual Model Maker.
• Act as a mentor for the JDIW PODS, by sharing knowledge and skills, giving feedback, and providing technical guidance and direction on projects, and in general sharing experience and knowledge with the PODS.
• Actively and openly, seek opportunities to share techniques and personal approaches to goldsmithing and setting procedures with other Model Makers.

Technology, Metrics and Systems:

• Demonstrate basic computer literacy and ability to use Microsoft Office/365 (e.g., checking and responding to emails, attending online Teams meetings), as well as enterprise software (e.g., Tiffany Intranet, Kronos, and JDE).
• Attend all JDIW meetings (in-person or online) on time, and without prompting.
• Adhere to all departmental controls regarding metrics and inventory control, e.g., Kronos time scanning, JDE work order scanning.
• Adhere to all Inventory Control policies and procedures regarding scrap metal capture and labelling, including Workorder and inventory storage and security procedures.

Required Qualifications: 

• Significant Model Making training with at least 5-10 years of hands-on bench experience
• Operate at a Master craft level
• In depth manufacturing knowledge of jewelry and/or other related industries
• Extensive experience working with jewelry materials, precious metals, and gemstones/diamonds
• Significant experience building, repairing, and troubleshooting metalsmithing/materials manufacturing processes while maintaining design integrity
• Experience applying formal training/skillset to developing a successful design/collection
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Excellent in brainstorming and complex problem-solving skills 
• Strong team player with a high level of professionalism
• Ability to adapt and meet urgent timelines under high demand conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Jewelry Design, Jewelry Arts, Industrial or Fashion Design, or Engineering
• Formal creative design training and experience, with a high degree of aesthetic sensibility
• Experience in a client driven, custom jewelry environment

The hiring range for this position ranges from $34.43 - $46.58 per hour. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience.