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.
