Associate Eyewear Designer

EMERGING BLUE; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

EMERGING BLUE is seeking an Associate Eyewear Designer to join our Design Studio in New York. This role supports the development of innovative eyewear collections through all design stages, from concept to production.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of eyewear design experience, is proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and CAD software, and possesses a strong understanding of materials. The position offers a salary range of $75,000–$90,000.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in eyewear design.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and CAD design software.
• Understanding of eyewear materials, fit, and production methods.
• Strong visual sensibility and brand awareness.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop new eyewear concepts aligned with the brand’s vision.
• Produce and revise CADs and technical specifications.
• Partner with Planning and Product teams for alignment.
• Support sample development and coordinate with manufacturers.
• Collaborate with Creative Director for design consistency.
• Maintain libraries, tech packs, and digital assets.
• Manage concepts through development and costing.
• Prepare design reviews and contribute in meetings.

Skills

Eyewear design experience

Adobe Creative Suite

CAD design software

Strong visual sensibility

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

We are currently searching for an Associate Eyewear Designer to join our client’s growing Design Studio. This role will support the development of innovative, brand‑aligned eyewear collections. Working closely with the Founder and Creative Director, the Associate will contribute to every stage of the design process—from concept development and technical drawings to prototyping and production—ensuring every frame reflects the brand’s distinct point of view. The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of eyewear design experience, a strong understanding of materials and construction, and the creative sensibility to interpret and extend brand design language. This role requires both artistic intuition and technical precision, bridging creativity and execution in partnership with our global manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Development: Create and develop new eyewear concepts, including frame bodies, colorways, and materials, that align with the brand’s creative vision.
• Technical Drawings: Produce and revise CADs and technical specifications for prototypes and production, ensuring design accuracy and manufacturability.
• Collaboration: Partner with Planning and Product teams to align new designs with sales and assortment strategies, ensuring a balance of creativity and commercial impact.
• Sampling & Prototyping: Support sample development, coordinate with overseas manufacturers, and review prototypes for quality, fit, and brand alignment.
• Creative Alignment: Maintain close collaboration with the Creative Director and Design team to ensure creative consistency and intuitive communication throughout design iterations.
• Studio & Workflow Support: Work with the Design Studio team to maintain libraries, tech packs, color samples, and digital assets.
• Project Ownership: Take initiative within assigned product segments, managing concepts through development and costing with entrepreneurial ownership.
• Presentation & Feedback: Prepare design reviews and contribute to design meetings with leadership, providing rationale and responding to feedback constructively.

Requirements

• 2–5 years of experience in eyewear design.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and CAD design software.
• Understanding of eyewear materials, fit, and production methods.
• Strong visual sensibility and brand awareness with a demonstrated ability to translate vision into detailed design.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to work fluidly with creative, planning, and production counterparts.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership of projects from concept to delivery.
• Highly organized and proactive in creating and maintaining processes and systems.
• Result‑driven, detail‑oriented individual, with an ability to work independently in a high‑performance environment.
• Focus on delivering individual goals that ladder up to overall company goals.
• Salary range $75,000–$90,000.