CAD Developer at Tiffany & Co. in Cumberland, RI

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 manufacturing facility in Cumberland, RI, where jewelry products unique to our company are crafted by a diverse workforce.

Tiffany offers our employees the resources they need to be successful in an environment that recognizes and rewards creativity, innovation, and dedication. We take great pride in helping each of our employees design an exciting future within our enduring tradition of excellence. At Tiffany & Co., an inspired career is life’s best accessory.

Key Accountibilities:

The CAD Developer will support and facilitate all aspects related to New Product Integration projects to meet design and manufacturing objectives and time-line commitments. The support includes creation of manufacturing models; technical artwork; creation and maintenance of design specifications and templates; identification and implementation of design technologies. The CAD Developer works closely with all New Product Integration team members, internal and external partners, and Internal Manufacturing counterparts to provide CAD models that result in the highest quality finished good product at best manufacturing yield and cost.

Prototype & File Creation

Create, maintain and organize 2-D, 3-D shared design standards, specifications and templates across all product families using Rhinoceros, Matrix, and/or Solidworks CAD software. Prepare engineering and design documentation, and archive, organize and maintain shared files properly.
Create drawings for components by translating designs into 3D models and/or all components to meet critical requirements for use in Jewelry manufacturing.
Create drawings with correct formatting for 3D printing slicer programs (Magics)
Hands on experience on 3D print prototyping (FDM, SLA) and knowledge about shrinkage and offsets for this process
Hands on experience on 3D scanning and comparing
Ensure ALL models created follow industry best practice and manufacturing standards (e.g., closed solid objects, minimal object density, model/structure organization, etc.)
In consultation with Model Makers, Engineers and Manufacturing partners, provide initial CAD direction on component breakout, construction, and methods of fabrication according to Critical Requirements Documentation.
Review designs and aesthetics with key counterparts in manufacturing to ensure CAD models meet manufacturability standards.
Coordinate CAD drawings for sample fabrication to support new product development initiatives.
Provide timely and innovative CAD solutions to complex mechanical problems, at any point in the production lifecycle
Maintain CAD archives using revision control software (i.e. Adept/SharePoint) to support ECN process/workflows

Communication

Establish and monitor individual timelines and ensure adherence to overall project timelines and accurate completion of projects. Identify and communicate potential barriers to meeting completion timelines as soon as they arise
Communicate effectively to keep team updated on project status, issues, and concerns. Identify potential barriers to meeting completion timelines as soon as they arise
Proactively flag critical issues for consideration that may impact design and/or design aesthetic when creating and transferring 3D FGL-CAD models, and at any point in the production lifecycle
Proactively flag critical issues for consideration that may impact manufacturing and/or quality of final product (e.g., meeting of tolerances, reliability between 3D FG WIP CAD and final product) when creating and transferring 3D FG WIP CAD models, and at any point in the production lifecycle

Collaboration & Leadership

Attend New Project Team meetings to offer expertise during conceptual product development.
Support NPI project management teams according to project needs and lead related CAD discussions
Partner with Internal Manufacturing, JDIW, PD and Design on technical aspects of CAD development.
Support day to day management of Rapid Prototype lab, keep management updated on progress and issues
Partner with external Additive team when needed; expect local business travel: 25%

Technology Leader

When appropriate, work with department leadership and SMEs to research and operationalize innovative processes during the design, concept, and prototyping stages of the design lifecycle
Champion best practices in process improvement for manufacturing ability.
Develop and enhance new and existing CAD workflows, and supporting communication tools as needed
Remain current with industry standards and knowledge related but not limited to; CAD, Additive Manufacturing, Model Making, Gold/Metalsmithing, material properties of precious and non-precious materials from different manufacturing processes (e.g. stamped silver vs. cast silver), as well as Advanced Materials
When required, work with IT and management to implement and troubleshoot new and existing CAD technology; update/advise management on departmental software/technology upgrades; and work with IT and Design Administration to implement new technology
Provide CAD and Technology leadership for NPI coworkers, Engineering teams, and Manufacturing partners.
Build contacts and networks with external Engineering and Design technology developers.

Required Qualifications:

Combination of bachelor’s degree or related industry experience
Portfolio/Link to website depicting relevant Design/Sketches/Rendering
Relevant knowledge of Jewelry Manufacturing, CAD Design Tolerances, Craft, Craft Manufacturing processes is required
Advanced user of Solidworks for 3D modeling
Minimum 3 years of experience using Solidworks in a 3D design capacity
Experience running mechanical assembly simulations
Proficiency in the use of other solid modeling software
Proficiency in the Adobe Suite; Photoshop, illustrator, InDesign
Strong computer skills including all Microsoft Packages
Ability to work independently, good communication skills (written and oral)
Must be able to interpret scientific and technical documents
Innovative thinking, always keeping up to date with technology

Good interpersonal skills and team player

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Rhino 3D modeling software
Knowledge of Grasshopper visual programming language
Formal metalsmithing experience and/or training
Experience with Photorealistic rendering software
Ability to work in a manufacturing type setting
Creative design training and experience, with high degree of aesthetic sensibility