Director, Manufacturing Excellence - Engineering

About Us

David Yurman is a celebrated American jewelry company founded in New York by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife, Sybil, a painter and ceramicist. When the artists began collaborating, their goal was simply to make beautiful objects to wear. Led today by their son Evan, David Yurman creates timeless, yet contemporary collections for women and men defined by inspiration, innovation, consummate craftsmanship and cable – the brand’s artistic signature. David Yurman collections are available at retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and France and at locations worldwide, through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry and timepiece network of retailers.

Our Values

At David Yurman, creativity, innovation and impeccable craftsmanship are at the core of everything we do. Fueled by the energy of our hometown, New York City, artistic passion informs each and every jewelry design. The Yurman family’s guiding vision continually defines and redefines what it means to be the preeminent American luxury jewelry brand. We are committed to responsible business and social practices and to the protection and advancement of human rights. We believe in partnering with others who share these values and understand their importance.

Job Description

Title: Director, Manufacturing Excellence – Engineering – NY Office

Reports to: AVP, Manufacturing Excellence (ME) - Engineering – BKK Office

Supervises: N/A

Overview:

The Director, Manufacturing Engineer, in conjunction with the AVP of ME, will assist the NY Design and PD teams in engineering new product. They will help troubleshoot engineering challenges from design inception, attend DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and CTM (Concept to Manufacturing) meetings, with the intention of starting as early as possible to foresee possible issues and bottle necks in production. Collaborate with the DY Shop to ensure final production methods are being considered when developing techniques and finishes for Design Approval. Oversee all ECN Projects from start to completion. Work closely with Manufacturing Partners, remotely and on-site, throughout the development process to ensure engineering standards are upheld. As a hands-on technical leader in New York, this Director role will also provide bench-level support for the Women’s Mainline project, work directly with vendors across the US and Europe, and mentor the junior Manufacturing Excellence team member in NY through coaching, teaching, and day-to-day technical guidance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work closely with NY based design leadership early in the development process to ensure engineering needs are met
• Serve as a hands-on bench partner on the Women’s Mainline project, validating construction, finishing, and manufacturing methods while supporting the NY design and product development teams.
• Work daily with BKK ME Team to promote inter-office cohesion
• Coordinate closely with the Bangkok Manufacturing Excellence team to align technical standards, share learnings, and support a consistent global manufacturing strategy.
• Work closely with Product Development Team to evaluate and determine best practices for producing David Yurman Jewelry
• Provide direct technical coaching and mentoring to the junior Manufacturing Excellence team member in New York, including training in problem-solving, vendor communication, and engineering best practices.
• Interact closely with vendor base (with focus on domestic and Italian vendors) to guarantee understanding of first sample execution, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, ensure QC standards are met and communicate learnings to cross functional teams
• Expand direct technical support to vendors across the US and Europe, with a hands-on role in resolving sample issues, improving manufacturability, and closing the loop on critical engineering actions.
• Document best practices in a Manufacturing Excellence Manual with ongoing revisions and updates as needed
• Participant in the R&D, DFM & CTM Committees
• Partner with R&D team to vet manufacturing feasibility
• Partner with the DY Shop on creating prototypes and reference samples for design consideration and vendor reference during sampling phase
• Own ECN projects including vendor communication, inspecting models and assembly methods, coming up with solutions or alternatives to correct known issues, obtain final updated vendor samples that pass DY QC and communicate to repair team when solutions are implemented
• Keep up to date on new manufacturing techniques and technologies
• Domestic and international travel required

Essential Qualifications:

• Education: Four-year BA or BS degree in Mechanical Engineering/Industrial Design
• Minimum 8+ years of practical Jewelry Manufacturing experience (including production manufacturing) OR equivalent tenured jewelry manufacturing experience
• Extensive hands-on model making and jewelry assembly experience in sterling silver, gold alloys, platinum, Titanium and Aluminum
• Extensive knowledge of Jewelry casting, including rubber mold and wax production
• Extensive knowledge of Stone Setting Techniques including Hand Pave, Pin Set, Bezel Setting, Prong Setting, baguette setting and invisible setting. Hands on experience preferred
• A thorough knowledge of Electro-plating with White and Black Rhodium including both pen plating and bath plating
• Experience with multiple finishing techniques such as Oxidation on Silver, Satin, Burnished and Mechanical Finishing
• A high level of understanding of RHINO 3D Version 8 and Rapid Prototyping
• A strong understanding of jewelry mechanisms such as clasps, hinges, and springs
• A keen understanding of Stamping and Machining techniques
• Ability to troubleshoot problems at every stage of the jewelry manufacturing process
• A good sense of Design
• Computer Skills: Familiarity with Rhino, Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and mechanical drawing software and /or Adobe Photo Deluxe
• Demonstrated hands-on bench jewelry manufacturing experience with the ability to analyze complex product construction, manufacturing methods, and engineering challenges.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop engineering talent while providing technical leadership across cross-functional teams.

Location: NYC Corporate office, TriBeca

Work Schedule: in office 5 days per week, Monday-Friday

Estimated Base Salary: $190,000-$215,000

Base pay is one component of David Yurman’s total compensation package, which may also include the following for eligible employees: access to healthcare benefits, 401(k) plan, bonus, employee discounts, Summer Fridays (corporate roles), generous paid time off, sick time, and more.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at David Yurman

As a company founded by artists, David Yurman champions self-expression in everything we do. We are committed to fostering a culture of openness and creative collaboration within our entire community, and we cherish the diversity of our employees’ backgrounds and perspectives. We will always advocate for equity and inclusion for all.

David Yurman is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual’s age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender).