Jewelry Production Technician

Rio Grande; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

401(k) matching

Paid time-off

On-site gym

Job summary

Rio Grande in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Jewelry Production Technician to perform skilled and semi-skilled manufacturing tasks for jewelry components and finished products. You will participate in casting, fabrication, stamping, forming, finishing, assembly, and related production activities.

You will follow established work instructions, quality standards, and safety requirements while meeting production schedules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Prior manufacturing, jewelry, or hands-on technical experience preferred.
• Ability to complete required technical and process training.

Responsibilities

• Operate jewelry manufacturing processes according to procedures and instructions.
• Read travelers, orders, drawings, and specs to ensure correct work.
• Maintain quality and productivity while meeting timelines.
• Support multiple manufacturing areas as needed by production demands.
• Follow safety policies and PPE requirements.

Education

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Measuring tools

Inspection equipment

Microscopes

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Jewelry Production Technician

Regular Full-Time Albuquerque, NM, US

Jewelry Production Technician

The Opportunity

The Jewelry Production Technician performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled manufacturing activities to produce high-quality jewelry components and finished products. This role supports multiple areas of the manufacturing operation, including casting, fabrication, stamping and forming, customization, finishing, assembly, and other production processes as assigned.

The Jewelry Production Technician is responsible for following established processes, work instructions, quality standards, and safety requirements while meeting production schedules and customer expectations. The position requires strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, a commitment to quality, and the ability to learn and perform multiple manufacturing processes.

This role is an important part of building a flexible, cross-trained manufacturing workforce capable of supporting changing production requirements and customer demand.

What You'll Do

Production

• Perform jewelry manufacturing operations according to established procedures, work instructions, and production requirements.
• Operate production equipment, tools, and machinery safely and correctly.
• Perform tasks such as preparation, assembly, finishing, polishing, clipping, grinding, forming, stamping, inspection, and other manufacturing activities based on assigned areas.
• Read and follow job travelers, production orders, drawings, specifications, recipes, and visual work instructions.
• Maintain accurate production quantities and communicate production status as required.
• Meet established productivity, quality, and turnaround expectations.
• Support multiple manufacturing areas as business needs and production priorities change.

Quality

• Produce work that meets established quality standards and customer specifications.
• Perform in-process and final inspections as required.
• Identify defects, discrepancies, damaged materials, or process abnormalities and communicate them promptly.
• Prevent defective product from moving to the next operation.
• Follow established nonconformance, rework, and corrective-action procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support consistent quality.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Follow standardized work and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and workflow.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and problem-solving efforts.
• Provide feedback to Team Leaders and Value Stream Leaders regarding process issues, equipment concerns, material problems, or recurring defects.
• Support 5S, visual management, standard work, and other Lean manufacturing practices.
• Participate in training and cross-training to develop capability across multiple manufacturing processes.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Operate equipment only after receiving appropriate training and authorization.
• Maintain awareness of ergonomic risks and report unsafe conditions.
• Properly handle precious metals, chemicals, tools, equipment, and other manufacturing materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Report accidents, injuries, near misses, and safety concerns promptly.

Material & Equipment Control

• Properly identify, handle, and protect customer and company materials throughout the production process.
• Maintain accurate material and production accountability.
• Follow procedures for scrap, precious-metal recovery, rework, and material segregation.
• Perform basic equipment checks and report maintenance or equipment issues.
• Use tools and equipment responsibly and maintain them in good working condition .

Teamwork & Communication

• Work effectively with Team Leaders, Value Stream Coordinators, Value Stream Leaders, Quality, Planning, Engineering, and other manufacturing teams.
• Communicate production issues, quality concerns, material shortages, and process problems in a timely manner.
• Support coworkers and contribute to a collaborative manufacturing environment.
• Maintain professional and respectful working relationships.
• Be willing to learn new processes and assist in other manufacturing areas when needed.

What You'll Need

• Strong attention to detail and quality awareness.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to work with small components and detailed jewelry products.
• Ability to follow written and visual instructions accurately.
• Ability to learn and retain manufacturing processes.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to use hand tools and production equipment.
• Ability to identify defects and process abnormalities.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills .
• Dependable attendance and ability to meet production commitments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to cross-train and work in multiple manufacturing areas.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

Required:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Previous manufacturing, production, jewelry, assembly, machining, fabrication, or other hands-on technical experience preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete required technical and process training.

Preferred:

• Jewelry manufacturing experience.
• Experience with precious metals or small-component manufacturing.
• Experience using hand tools, production equipment, measuring tools, or inspection equipment.
• Experience working in a Lean manufacturing environment.

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Monday through Friday
• Overtime and weekend work may be required based on production demands, seasonal volume, and business needs
• Manufacturing and production facility environment.
• Frequent use of engraving, laser, assembly, and finishing equipment.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hand tools, microscopes, measuring devices, and computer equipment.
• Repetitive hand and finger movements requiring fine motor skills.
• Occasional lifting and moving of materials up to 25 pounds.
• Exposure to noise, dust, polishing compounds, cleaning solutions, and manufacturing equipment.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated work areas.
• Climate-controlled production environment with shared team workspaces.

At Rio Grande, our employees are the heart of our more than 80-year legacy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our culture is guided by our 3R principles: Respect, Responsibility, and Results. We believe in a bias to action mindset that turns ideas into outcomes and in empowering employees to take initiative, grow through continuous learning, and making meaningful impacts every day. Recognized as a 2025 Platinum Award Family Friendly Business, we promote a work-life balance, clear expectations, and a supportive environment, including quality benefits, robust wellness resources, and an onsite fitness facility. Through our employee recognition and community involvement, we celebrate individuality, foster belonging, and ensure every voice is valued. A career at Rio Grande offers more than a job. You’ll join a workplace where your contributions matter and your growth is supported. Your work will help shape the future of the company and support our customers and industry.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.

The Reward:
Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full-time (30+ hours a week) associates that includes:

• Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine
• 401(k) matching program
• Paid time-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays
• Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Flexible spending account
• On-site gym and company wellness program
• Employee discounts at Rio Grande
• Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment
• Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits

Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within. For more information on us please visit: www.riogrande.com

The Company:
Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on your website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.

Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.