Product Designer

About the Role

We are looking for a Sr. Designer to engage with licensors to understand their brand identities and target customers, primarily focusing on eyewear collections. This 13-month contract role is based in New York with hybrid remote work options, requiring full-time commitment Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed sketches and concepts for new eyewear collections according to licensor requests.
• Collaborate closely with product development and line planning teams both in North America and Italy to explore innovative construction ideas, including hardware and material combinations.
• Create comprehensive sketchbooks and high-quality renderings using Adobe Illustrator for licensor presentations.
• Produce precise technical drawings complete with sectional views, exploded diagrams, and annotations to support prototyping.
• Assist in prototype evaluations and CAD revisions to ensure designs are accurately implemented.
• Interpret current and future North American eyewear and fashion trends to guide product concepts aligning with collection strategies.
• Perform competitive market analysis to identify emerging products and trends while maintaining brand identity and business goals.
• Lead exploratory development of materials and techniques in collaboration with development and planning teams in North America.
• Participate actively in industry conferences and trade shows to stay abreast of trends and innovations.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field from an accredited institution.
• At least 5 years of design experience within specialty retail or sales/distribution settings, with a solid understanding of production processes.
• Background in luxury accessories, preferably eyewear, but experience with jewelry hardware or fashion accessories is also valuable.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in project management activities.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling software such as Rhinoceros, and 3D rendering tools like Keyshot.
• Previous involvement in sales distribution business and familiarity with Italian culture and language are advantageous.
• Willingness to undertake domestic and international travel as required.