Van Cleef & Arpels Methods Engineer

Van Cleef & Arpels is a distinguished haute-joaillerie maison known for exceptional craftsmanship, intricate gem-setting and artisanal ateliers. The brand operates ateliers that combine traditional métiers with technical innovation and cultivates multidisciplinary teams focused on creative excellence and technical precision.

1. Define, document and optimise manufacturing processes and work instructions for jewellery production and ancillary operations.
2. Lead industrialisation of new models and collections: prototype-to-production transfer, tooling specification and validation.
3. Conduct time-and-motion studies, method studies and capacity analyses to improve productivity and standardise processes.
4. Collaborate with design, production, maintenance and quality teams to resolve technical issues and ensure manufacturability.
5. Specify tooling, fixtures and shopfloor layouts; oversee trials and pilot runs to validate process parameters.
6. Implement continuous improvement initiatives (lean principles, waste reduction, process reliability) and track KPIs.
7. Train and coach operators on new methods, work instructions and correct use of tooling and equipment.

1. Degree in mechanical, industrial or manufacturing engineering (or equivalent technical diploma).
2. Practical knowledge of jewellery or precision metalwork manufacturing strongly preferred.
3. Demonstrable experience in industrialisation, process engineering or methods engineering roles.
4. Strong ability to read technical drawings and translate design intent into production methods.
5. Excellent communication skills and capability to work with cross-functional stakeholders on the shopfloor.

1. Process mapping and industrialisation
2. Time-and-motion / method study
3. Work instruction and SOP writing
4. Lean manufacturing / continuous improvement
5. Technical drawing interpretation (mechanical/jewellery)
6. Operator training and shopfloor coaching
7. Basic CAD competency

Several years (typically 3–5+) of hands-on experience in manufacturing methods, industrialisation or process engineering; experience in jewellery, watchmaking, micro-manufacturing or precision metalwork is highly advantageous.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing engineering or a related technical discipline.

The maison emphasises handcrafted excellence and meticulous attention to detail, blending traditional métiers with technical rigour. Teams operate in a collaborative, atelier-style environment where craftsmanship, quality and continuous improvement are central to daily work.