Computational Designer

Tiffany and Company has an opening for a Computational Designer at our Jewelry Design and Innovation Workshop (JDIW). Centrally located on East 23rd Street in New York City, the position offers a dynamic work environment and use of cutting edge technology to inspire the creation of meticulously crafted products that encompass the exceptional beauty of Tiffany jewelry.  

The Computational Designer expands JDIW’s 3D CAD capabilities to support design, manufacturing, and digital innovation, focusing on the creation of advanced parametric solutions and custom design-automation tools tailored for jewelry design and development. This role involves partnering with internal and external CAD development teams to implement, maintain, and optimize Grasshopper definitions while fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Digital Asset Support:

• Build and refine end-to-end digital pipelines that translate design intent into iterative computational workflows
• Develop and implement solutions to streamline the creation of complex geometries across collections, including size-run automation.
• Apply scripted solutions to optimize and automate repetitive tasks where possible
• Partner closely with CAD designers, engineers, jewelers, and external partners to accelerate product development and manufacturing innovation
• Establish and maintain standards, documentation, and shared scripting practices to support consistency, scalability, and long-term maintenance across the computational design team
• Evaluate and validate new generative design applications and plug-ins to ensure compatibility with Tiffany’s application ecosystem
• Ensure ALL models and/or parametric solutions created follow industry’s best practice and manufacturing standards
• Convert frequently used Grasshopper definitions into scalable, maintainable Python and C# applications

Communication:

• Establish and monitor individual timelines and ensure adherence to overall project timelines with accurate completion of projects
• Effectively communicate risk and roadblocks to meeting timelines as they arise and proactively suggest solutions to achieve project goals  
• Adhere to all departmental procedures regarding metrics, project tracking, and reporting on overall project status in various documents and face-to-face meetings
• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, and proactively flag critical issues for consideration that may impact manufacturing and/or design aesthetics when creating 3D CAD tools
• At any point in the development cycle, proactively flag critical issues for consideration that may impact manufacturing and/or design aesthetics when creating 3D CAD tools and provide timely solutions 
• Present to teams and cross-functional partners

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Foster a learning-oriented environment by training internal and external CAD collaborators in both basic and advanced computational design concepts
• Collaborate with CAD teams across the company to document, standardize and optimize existing Grasshopper scripts and workflows
• Lead in proactively flagging and proposing creative solutions to JDIW teams to position collections for successful parametric execution when applicable  
• Provide relevant updates and propose solutions to Senior CAD Designers, Managers, Directors, and cross-functional departments on project direction, review of CAD files, timelines, and any potential challenges
• Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings with Management to provide feedback on new and/or updated standards, templates, and processes 

Technology Leader:

• Research, develop, and implement innovative tools, technologies, and processes across the design development lifecycle for CAD and Generative Design
• Develop and enhance new and existing 3D CAD capabilities, leveraging existing data as applicable
• Create robust supportive documentation and training tools as needed
• Stay current with industry standards and knowledge related but not limited to CAD programs, Model Making, Gold/Metalsmithing, and material properties of precious and non-precious materials from different manufacturing processes 
• Partner with IT and management to implement, support, and improve CAD systems and technology as needed

• BA or MA in Industrial Design, Computational Design or comparable

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in progressive Computational Design

• Strong proficiency in Rhino/Grasshopper, computational geometry, version control, and documentation standards

• A portfolio demonstrating computational and generative design applied to product design and development contexts

• Extensive experience working with high-precision complex geometry in Rhino, with a strong understanding of NURBS, SubD, and mesh modeling

• Strong proficiency in Python and C#; experience with RhinoCommon preferred

• Ideate and apply generative methods that inspire and lead future design

• Enjoys sharing knowledge through tutoring, mentoring, and organizing training workshops

• Seek and contribute to development of new digital tools and design methods, putting them into action

• Ability to work both independently and in team settings

• Ability to effectively collaborate with all levels within the organization by building relationships with our colleagues, partners and customers

• Must be able to interpret scientific and technical documents

• Innovative thinking, always keeping up to date with technology

• Demonstrated ability to think conceptually and drive design concepts

• Ability to effectively manage and conduct multiple priority projects proactively

• Good interpersonal skills and team player

• Experience with Blender, Z-Brush, as well as familiarity with rendering software such as KeyShot, V-Ray, or Maxwell is considered an asset 

• Formal goldsmithing and/or metalsmithing training 

• 3-5 Years experience as a custom bench jeweler

• Gemological training with GIA or FGA diploma

• Formal gem- and diamond-setting training and experience

• Industry Certification

• Familiarity with web development

The hiring range for this position ranges from $90,000.00 - $110,000.00. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience.