Assistant Eyewear Design & Developer

Sunshine Bertrand; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design studio in East London is looking for a meticulous Assistant Eyewear Design & Developer to support the Head of Design & Development. This role demands precision and efficiency in a fast-paced environment, focusing on the integration of research, technical development, and presentations. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical proficiency in design software and a sound understanding of materials and production processes. The position offers a chance to work collaboratively and creatively within the design team.

Qualifications

• Proficient in creating client-ready presentations.
• Experience with CAD and technical development.
• Strong organisational skills for studio management.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day design and development tasks.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal teams for materials.
• Create and maintain structured filing systems for design files.

Skills

Proficient in Illustrator

3D design and rendering

Material knowledge

Attention to detail

Proactive in adopting new tools

Job description

Sunshine Bertrand seeks a meticulous, organised, technically skilled Assistant Eyewear Design & Developer to assist the Head of Design & Development in delivering refined, brand‑specific collections for global partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day‑to‑day design and development with precision, efficiency, and initiative in a fast‑paced East London design studio.
• Integrating research, CAD, technical development, material coordination and presentations, the role safeguards accuracy from brief to prototype.
• Work proactively, anticipating next steps and streamlining processes to elevate design quality, enabling the Head of Design & Development to focus on creative oversight while maintaining efficiency across all deliverables.
• Contributing confidently to a collaborative studio rhythm.

Scope of Work

Design & Development

• Support the Head of Design and Development
• Deliver design amendments, ensuring documents are current and consistent
• Track and flag timing, feasibility, or technical risks
• Assist in preparing for client meetings
• Review technical drawings for accuracy and consistency against design intent
• Assist in design amendments; Rhino proficiency is a bonus
• Coordinate with factories, suppliers and internal teams to source materials to target cost and brand standards and resolve material changes and issues
• Support the Head of Design and Development on factory visits

Presentation & 3D Rendering

• Create client‑ready presentations
• Updating presentations post‑meeting
• Integrate tools (AI, plug‑ins)
• Produce realistic renderings and colour‑ups
• Utilise 3D modelling skills to represent 2D designs

Studio Organisation

• Manage, label and track all swatches and prototypes
• Handle new swatch requests and ensure proper storage and returns
• Photograph, catalogue prototypes, vintage and archive for internal reference
• Maintain structured filing systems for design files, research and notes
• Accurate version control and systematic archiving

Profile

Industry knowledge & Market Awareness

• Sound understanding of materials, production processes and timelines.
• Curious about innovation across manufacturing, sustainability, materials and emerging cultural and design trends relevant to eyewear.

Proactive & Innovative

• Demonstrates adaptability, continually integrates new tools, including AI and digital workflows, to enhance process and increase efficiency.

Technical Proficiency

• Highly proficient with Illustrator, Adept at technologies, 3D design and rendering.
• Eyewear literate, from materials and hinge sizing to tolerances and tooling.
• Delivers clean specs and manufacturable solutions.

Process‑Driven & Detail‑Focused

• Organised and methodical, able to anticipate next steps.
• Exceptional attention to detail in technical documentation, data accuracy, colour precision and confidentiality.

Communication & Collaboration

• Proven track record in communicating daily with manufacturers and suppliers.
• Confident in managing these relationships and reporting progress to the team.
• Continually represents the high standards of the studio.