Junior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer

Company: KREWE

Location: New Orleans, LA

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations

Date Posted: July 04, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the end-to-end product design and development lifecycle, from initial concept to final production, with a focus on eyewear and non-frame accessories.

• Conducts market research and trend analysis to identify future product opportunities and inform seasonal color palettes and design concepts.

• Creates and maintains clear design briefs, coordinating cross-functional input to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products aligned with brand direction and marketing campaigns.

• Partners closely with Product Development, Sourcing, and external vendors to refine designs, resolve production challenges, and manage development timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Product Designer," involves significant GTM and Product Operations elements. The focus on end-to-end development, cross-functional coordination, vendor management, and maintaining documentation highlights the operational aspects of bringing a product to market. The "Junior" designation implies a need for strong foundational skills and a willingness to learn and support senior team members in building scalable processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the design and development of new products, ensuring seamless transition from concept ideation to mass production, with a particular emphasis on eyewear.

• Proactively research emerging trends in colors, materials, and consumer behavior to identify and propose innovative product opportunities.

• Develop compelling seasonal color palettes and product concepts that align with KREWE's established brand aesthetic and strategic design direction.

• Take ownership of the design and development process for non-frame product categories, ensuring all projects are completed on schedule and meet rigorous quality benchmarks.

• Formulate comprehensive design briefs and facilitate collaborative input from Marketing, Product Development, and Sourcing teams throughout the product lifecycle.

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing team to ensure product designs effectively support campaign initiatives, merchandising strategies, and diverse channel needs.

• Produce detailed sketches, sophisticated renderings, technical specifications, and persuasive presentation materials to articulate design intent and vision clearly.

• Work in tandem with Product Development, Sourcing, and external manufacturers to meticulously refine designs and proactively address any production-related challenges.

• Maintain a highly organized system for all product documentation, physical samples, and development timelines, ensuring accessibility and accuracy.

• Actively support the Senior Product Designer in establishing and refining a consistent, scalable product design process, contributing fresh ideas and creative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for strong project management and cross-functional communication skills, crucial for operations roles. The emphasis on documentation, timelines, and vendor collaboration points towards a structured approach to product development, requiring an understanding of operational workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a related field is preferred, though equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of direct experience in product development, with a specific focus on eyewear development, demonstrating a strong understanding of the product lifecycle from concept to manufacturing.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in eyewear development, including a strong grasp of material properties, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability.

• Proven ability to forecast trends and apply merchandising judgment to product selection and development.

• Proficiency in creating detailed design briefs and coordinating cross-functional input effectively.

• Experience in managing product documentation, development timelines, and sample organization.

• Strong sketching and rendering abilities to communicate design concepts.

• Understanding of product development workflows and the ability to collaborate with Product Development, Sourcing, and external vendors.

• 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. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Familiarity with 3D modeling or CAD software.

• Experience in developing non-frame product categories.

• Entrepreneurial spirit and drive.

• Comfort with trying on frames and documenting fit through modeling of the product as part of the design and decision process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for Adobe Suite and the requirement for eyewear development experience are critical. The emphasis on organization, process creation, and independent work in a high-performance environment are key indicators of the operational rigor expected, even in a design role. The "entrepreneurial spirit" suggests a need for initiative in process improvement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 3-5 design projects showcasing the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept sketches to final production-ready designs.

• Projects should ideally include examples of eyewear development, demonstrating an understanding of form, function, materials, and manufacturing considerations.

• For each project, provide clear documentation of the design process, including research, ideation, concept development, technical specifications, and problem-solving encountered.

• Showcase an ability to develop seasonal color palettes and product concepts based on trend research and consumer insights.

• Highlight projects where cross-functional collaboration (e.g., with marketing, product development, sourcing) was essential, illustrating your role and contributions. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your approach to creating and maintaining organized product documentation, including design briefs, specification sheets, and sample tracking.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or maintained development timelines and managed project schedules.

• Illustrate your ability to document design intent and communicate it effectively through renderings, sketches, and presentations.

• Showcase an understanding of how to collaborate with vendors and manage feedback loops for design refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a design portfolio is standard, the emphasis here is on demonstrating process, organization, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning with operational excellence. Candidates should highlight their ability to document and manage the product development workflow, not just the aesthetic outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Junior Product Designer with 1-2 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like New Orleans, the estimated annual salary range is $55,000 - $75,000. This estimate considers the specific industry (fashion/eyewear), the company's brand positioning, and the responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Competitive wage

• Group health plans: health, vision, and dental insurance

• Welfare benefits: life, AD&D, supplemental voluntary coverage

• FSA Plan & HSA Program

• 401(k) Investment Options

• Adoption Assistance, EAP, Commuter Benefits

• Paid Parental Leave

• Quarterly Cultural Spend

• Ongoing Training and Development, including an Educational Allowance

• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off accrual

• KREWE employee quarterly frame allowance

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak development cycles. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence during business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on typical compensation for junior design roles in major US cities, adjusted for the specified company location and industry. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with competitive offerings for full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: KREWE operates within the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) fashion and luxury eyewear sector, known for its unique designs and strong brand identity. This industry demands a blend of creativity, trend awareness, and operational efficiency to manage product cycles and consumer engagement effectively.

Company Size: KREWE is a growing company, likely falling into the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category. This often means a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individuals can have a significant impact and wear multiple hats, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach to process development.

Founded: KREWE was founded in 2013 in New Orleans, LA. This relatively young company has rapidly established a strong brand presence, suggesting a culture of innovation, agility, and a deep connection to its New Orleans roots.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely consists of a Senior Product Designer and this Junior Product Designer role, working closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Marketing, and Merchandising teams.

• Reporting will likely be to the Senior Product Designer or a Product Manager, with direct collaboration across various departments to bring products to market.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring clear communication and alignment between design, marketing, and operational functions within the product lifecycle. Methodology:

• Design processes will likely be iterative, incorporating trend analysis, consumer feedback, and market performance data.

• Workflow planning will focus on managing multiple product lines and development cycles simultaneously, requiring organized project management.

• Automation may be less direct in this role, but efficiency in documentation, communication, and design handoffs is critical for operational smoothness.

Company Website: https://www.krewe.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size suggest a culture that values creativity, brand authenticity, and a hands-on approach. For a junior role, this means opportunities to learn established processes while also contributing to their evolution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to early-career role (0-2 years experience) within the Product Design function. While not a direct "Operations" title, the responsibilities require significant operational execution, process adherence, and cross-functional coordination. Success in this role can serve as a strong foundation for pursuing specialized roles in Product Operations, GTM Operations, or advanced Product Design.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Product Designer or a Product Manager. This provides direct mentorship and guidance on design execution, process adherence, and understanding KREWE's product development standards. Collaboration will extend broadly across Marketing, Product Development, and Sourcing departments.

Operations Impact: This role's impact on operations is indirect but crucial. By ensuring accurate design briefs, timely documentation, and effective communication with development and sourcing teams, the Junior Product Designer directly influences the efficiency and success of the product development pipeline. This contributes to the GTM (Go-to-Market) strategy by ensuring products are designed to meet market needs and production timelines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Development: Opportunity to gain deep experience in product development operations, process documentation, and cross-functional project management within a growing fashion brand.

• Design Specialization: Potential to specialize further in eyewear design or expand into other product categories as the company grows.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and initiative in process improvement, there is potential to advance to a Senior Product Designer role, or potentially pivot into Product Operations or Merchandising management roles within KREWE.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is interesting. While the title is "Designer," the operational duties offer a clear pathway into GTM or Product Operations roles if the candidate develops strong process and project management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: KREWE's headquarters in New Orleans will likely offer a modern, creative workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Given the industry and brand aesthetic, expect an environment that reflects KREWE's stylish and unique identity.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in New Orleans, LA. This is an on-site role, requiring regular attendance at the New Orleans headquarters. Candidates should consider commute times and local accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, encouraging interaction between designers, product developers, marketers, and other team members.

• Access to design tools, software (likely Adobe Suite), and potentially physical product samples will be integral to the daily workflow.

• Opportunities for team brainstorming sessions, fit checks, and design reviews will be common, fostering a hands-on and interactive design culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While core business hours are expected, flexibility might be available depending on project needs and team dynamics, though the on-site nature implies a consistent presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is key. The New Orleans location offers a unique cultural backdrop that might influence the work environment and company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational design skills and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you present your design work, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and contributions to specific projects. Be prepared to discuss your role in development, collaboration, and documentation.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potentially a design challenge or a scenario-based question to evaluate your approach to trend research, concept development, or problem-solving within a given timeframe. This might also assess your understanding of operational aspects like documentation or cross-functional communication.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meetings with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your fit with KREWE's culture, your collaborative style, and your entrepreneurial drive.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Highlight your journey from concept to final design, including sketches, mood boards, research, and technical considerations. Emphasize how you documented your work and collaborated with others.

• Quantify Impact (Where Possible): If any of your past projects led to successful product launches or met specific merchandising goals, articulate that. For this role, demonstrate an understanding of how design impacts business objectives.

• Tailor to KREWE: Research KREWE's brand aesthetic, product lines, and target audience. Prepare to discuss how your design sensibility aligns with their current offerings and future vision.

• Articulate Operational Contributions: Be ready to discuss how you managed timelines, documented designs, communicated with cross-functional teams, and contributed to efficient product development processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with current eyewear trends, material innovations, and KREWE's existing product catalog.

• Practice articulating your design process clearly and concisely, focusing on problem-solving and decision-making.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a new product line or addressing a specific design challenge from concept to production, including operational considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely focus on both creative ability and operational execution. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just design talent, but also organizational skills, process thinking, and collaborative capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is highly preferred for creating graphics, mockups, and technical drawings. InDesign may also be useful for creating presentation materials and design briefs.

• Sketching & Rendering Software: Experience with digital sketching tools or 3D rendering software (e.g., SketchUp, Rhino, Keyshot) may be beneficial for visualizing product concepts.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with PLM systems used for managing product data, documentation, and workflows would be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of how market research, trend reports, and consumer insights are used to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly applicable to the design process, an understanding of how design inputs feed into broader CRM and GTM systems is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Adobe suite preferred" is a key technical requirement. The role’s operational aspects suggest that familiarity with any tool that aids in documentation, project tracking, or collaborative workflows would be a strong asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value in design, but also in finding innovative solutions to process challenges.

• Brand Authenticity: Maintaining the integrity and unique aesthetic of the KREWE brand in all product designs and documentation.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across departments to ensure smooth product development and successful go-to-market strategies.

• Attention to Detail: Crucial for both design quality and the accuracy of product documentation and specifications.

• Process Orientation: A growing emphasis on creating and adhering to structured processes for efficiency and scalability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Marketing, Product Development, and Sourcing, requiring open communication and a shared understanding of project goals.

• Feedback Loop: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and contribute to a collective understanding of design best practices and operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture will likely blend creative artistry with a growing need for operational discipline as the company scales. Candidates who can bridge these two aspects will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Navigating the complexities of manufacturing, material sourcing, and cost targets while maintaining design integrity.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring clear communication and buy-in from diverse teams (Marketing, Sales, Development) with potentially different priorities.

• Process Establishment: As a junior member, contributing to or refining nascent processes in a growing company, requiring adaptability and initiative.

• Trend Forecasting Accuracy: Predicting market trends and consumer preferences effectively to drive successful product launches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Senior Product Designer on technical skills, design thinking, and navigating the product development lifecycle.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience in the fast-paced fashion/eyewear industry, understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior.

• Operational Skill Building: Developing crucial skills in project management, documentation, cross-functional communication, and process adherence, which are transferable to various operations roles.

• Product Knowledge: Deepening expertise in eyewear design, materials, and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a chance to learn the operational side of product development within a creative industry, providing a unique skill set for future career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a product from initial concept to a production-ready design. What documentation is crucial at each stage?" (Focus on process, documentation, and collaboration).

• "How do you approach researching and integrating new trends into product designs, especially within the eyewear category?" (Highlight research methods and trend analysis).

• "Tell me about a time you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team (e.g., marketing, manufacturing) on a product. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure alignment?" (Emphasize communication and problem-solving).

• "How do you prioritize your workload when managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Showcase organizational and time management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about KREWE's brand and design philosophy?" (Research the brand and articulate alignment).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to KREWE's culture of innovation and creativity?" (Connect your skills and work ethic to company values).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you best collaborate with colleagues." (Assess cultural fit and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project. For each, clearly state the objective, your role, the process (research, ideation, development), key challenges, solutions, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Process: Explicitly detail your documentation habits, how you managed timelines, and how you communicated with other teams. Use visuals to show your workflow.

• Demonstrate Operational Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how your design decisions considered manufacturing feasibility, cost, and marketability.

• Showcase Adaptability: If you have examples of developing non-frame products or adapting to different project needs, highlight them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just design talent, but also an understanding of the operational aspects of product development, including process, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on ats.rippling.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that demonstrate your end-to-end product development process, especially those involving eyewear. Emphasize your organizational skills, documentation practices, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in product development, trend research, design documentation, and any experience with the Adobe Suite. Use keywords such as "product design," "eyewear development," "trend analysis," "design briefs," and "cross-functional collaboration."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and operational contributions. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects with specific examples of how you managed timelines, documented work, and collaborated with teams. Prepare to answer questions about your understanding of KREWE's brand and your fit within their culture.

• Company Research: Deeply understand KREWE's brand aesthetic, product offerings, and market position. Research their New Orleans heritage and any recent design inspirations or campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions for a Junior Product Designer role with significant GTM and Product Operations responsibilities. All details should be verified directly with KREWE before making application decisions.