Jewelry Plating Engineer

Kendra Scott•Austin, TX

23h

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and highly experienced Director of Jewelry Plating & Surface Engineering to lead the vision, development, and global execution of all metal finishing processes across our product portfolio. This role is responsible for defining plating strategy, elevating product quality and durability, driving innovation in materials and finishes, and ensuring scalable, sustainable operations across internal and external manufacturing partners. You will serve as the technical authority on plating and surface engineering, while also acting as a key cross-functional leader influencing product development, sourcing, quality, and operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field required; advanced degree (MS, PhD, or MBA) preferred
12–15+ years of progressive experience in electroplating, metal finishing, or surface engineering
5–10+ years of leadership experience managing teams and/or global operations
Proven track record of: Leading and scaling plating operations in jewelry, luxury goods, or precision manufacturing
Proven track record of: Driving innovation and process transformation across complex supply chains
Proven track record of: Implementing global quality and operational excellence frameworks
Deep expertise in: Electrochemistry and advanced plating technologies (gold, silver, rhodium, PVD, e-coating)
Deep expertise in: Process development, validation, and industrialization at scale
Deep expertise in: Quality systems, defect reduction, and performance optimization
Strong knowledge of global EHS and regulatory standards
Experience managing global suppliers, multi-site manufacturing, and outsourced production models
Demonstrated success driving strategic initiatives (cost optimization, sustainability, new technology adoption)
Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to influence trade-offs across quality, cost, and speed
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Passion for design, craftsmanship, and innovation within the fashion or jewelry space

Responsibilities

Define and execute the global plating and surface engineering strategy aligned with brand standards, growth goals, and product innovation
Establish long-term roadmaps for technology adoption, sustainability, and process excellence
Serve as the company’s subject matter expert on all plating and finishing technologies
Lead the development, optimization, and industrialization of plating processes (gold, silver, rhodium, PVD, e-coating, and emerging technologies)
Set enterprise standards for finish quality, durability, color consistency, and performance
Drive innovation in eco-friendly coatings, alternative materials, and next-generation finishing technologies
Oversee plating capabilities across global suppliers and contract manufacturers, ensuring consistency and compliance
Partner with sourcing and supply chain teams to select, develop, and audit vendors
Lead efforts to scale new processes across multiple sites with speed and precision
Establish and govern quality frameworks to reduce defects and improve product longevity
Leverage customer feedback, returns data, and field performance insights to drive systemic improvements
Ensure alignment between design intent and real-world product performance
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best-in-class operational practices across plating operations
Define KPIs and performance metrics for plating quality, efficiency, and sustainability
Ensure global compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA, REACH, RoHS)
Lead initiatives to reduce environmental impact through safer chemistries, waste reduction, and sustainable processes
Oversee chemical management standards across all facilities and partners
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning
Act as a coach and thought partner to cross-functional leaders
Partner with Product Development, Design, Sourcing, to balance aesthetics, cost, manufacturability, and durability
Play a key role in speed-to-market initiatives and product commercialization
Influence executive decision-making through data-driven insights and technical expertise