Product Designer / Developer (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer / Developer (m/w/d)

Company: Makaro

Location: Vienna, Austria

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Development / GTM Operations

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of new jewelry collections, bridging creative vision with technical execution.

• Drive product innovation by translating initial ideas into tangible prototypes using CAD, 3D modeling, or traditional methods.

• Collaborate closely with the production team in Budapest to ensure seamless manufacturing and quality control.

• Conduct in-depth material research and selection, prioritizing quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Optimize existing product designs for enhanced aesthetics, functionality, cost efficiency, and manufacturability.

• Perform market and trend analyses to inform product strategy and identify new opportunities for the brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is on product design and development, this role has significant implications for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations. The product designer's ability to optimize designs for manufacturability, cost, and quality directly impacts production efficiency, inventory management, and ultimately, the product's market competitiveness and profitability. Therefore, this role is categorized under Product Design & Development with a strong overlay of GTM Operations considerations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• New Collection Development: Collaborate directly with the founder to conceptualize and design innovative jewelry pieces and cohesive collections that align with Makaro's brand identity and aesthetic.

• Prototyping & Iteration: Develop functional prototypes using CAD software, 3D modeling, or traditional techniques, iterating based on design reviews and production feasibility.

• Production Partnership: Serve as a key liaison with the production facility in Budapest, providing clear specifications, addressing technical queries, and ensuring designs are executable at scale.

• Material & Sustainability Sourcing: Research, evaluate, and select premium materials (metals, gemstones, etc.) with a strong emphasis on quality, ethical sourcing, and environmental sustainability.

• Product Optimization: Analyze existing product lines to identify opportunities for design refinement, functional improvements, cost reduction, and enhanced manufacturability.

• Market & Trend Analysis: Conduct ongoing research into jewelry industry trends, competitor offerings, and consumer preferences to inform product strategy and identify emerging market opportunities.

• Design Tool Proficiency: Utilize advanced design software (e.g., Rhino, Matrix, ZBrush) for 3D modeling and rendering, and potentially other tools for mood boards and concept development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work effectively with marketing and sales teams to understand market reception and feedback, translating insights into future product iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for "Optimierung bestehender Produkte hinsichtlich Design, Funktion, Kosten und Herstellbarkeit" is crucial for GTM operations. This involves not just aesthetic refinement but also ensuring products can be produced efficiently and profitably, directly impacting supply chain logistics, cost of goods sold (COGS), and overall market competitiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A relevant completed vocational training, apprenticeship, or academic degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Jewelry Design, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience in product design and/or product development.

• Prior experience in the jewelry sector is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Aesthetic Vision: A strong sense of aesthetics, an eye for detail, and a deep understanding of brand identity and design principles.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard design tools such as CAD (e.g., Rhino, Matrix) and/or 3D modeling software (e.g., ZBrush, SolidWorks).

• Prototyping Skills: Hands-on experience in creating physical or digital prototypes for evaluation.

• Production Process Understanding: Solid technical knowledge of jewelry manufacturing processes, including casting, fabrication, stone setting, and finishing.

• Material Knowledge: Familiarity with various metals, gemstones, and other jewelry materials, including their properties, sourcing, and sustainability implications.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct market research, trend analysis, and product performance evaluations.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a structured approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with direct jewelry fabrication techniques.

• Knowledge of sustainable material sourcing and ethical production practices.

• Familiarity with marketing and sales insights related to product performance.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, growing company environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level of "2-5 years" suggests a role that requires both creative input and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision on specific development tasks. The emphasis on "technical understanding for production processes" and "optimization" points towards a need for practical, hands-on skills rather than purely conceptual design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing your product design process from concept to finished product. These should highlight your role, design choices, challenges faced, and solutions implemented.

• Visual Demonstrations: Include high-quality visuals of your work, such as sketches, mood boards, CAD renderings, 3D models, and photographs of physical prototypes or finished products.

• Technical Documentation: Briefly explain the materials, manufacturing techniques, and design tools used for each showcased project.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Highlight instances where you optimized a product for manufacturability, cost, or functionality, demonstrating your technical problem-solving skills.

• Brand Alignment: Showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of brand identity and how design contributes to it.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Explanation: Be prepared to discuss your typical product development workflow, including ideation, sketching, CAD modeling, prototyping, and collaboration with production.

• Toolchain Proficiency: Outline the specific design and prototyping tools you are proficient in and how you leverage them to achieve design goals.

• Optimization Approach: Articulate your methodology for product optimization, including how you balance aesthetic considerations with production realities and cost constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer/Developer role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as tangible proof of their creative talent, technical capability, and understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle. The emphasis on optimization and production collaboration indicates that the portfolio should not just be visually appealing but also demonstrate practical problem-solving and manufacturing awareness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry standards for a Product Designer/Developer with 2-5 years of experience in Vienna, Austria, the estimated annual gross salary range is €45,000 - €60,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Vienna, the specialized nature of jewelry design and development, and the company's growth potential.

Benefits:

• Creative & Innovative Environment: Work within a dynamic and growing company focused on modern, expressive jewelry design.

• Direct Leadership Collaboration: Engage directly with the founder and core team, offering significant input and learning opportunities.

• Product Line Influence: Play a key role in shaping and developing the brand's product offerings.

• Flexible Working Models: Makaro offers flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

• International Growth Potential: Be part of a brand with a clear vision and aspirations for international market expansion.

• Employee Discount: Potential for employee discounts on Makaro jewelry.

Working Hours:

The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. Makaro offers flexible working models, suggesting potential for adjusted daily schedules or hybrid arrangements, though the primary work location is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Vienna. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The listed benefits highlight opportunities for professional growth and impact within a creative industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Jewelry Design & Manufacturing. Makaro operates within a niche market that blends high fashion aesthetics with skilled craftsmanship. The company emphasizes modern, expressive designs with a clear form language and high-quality, artisanal execution.

Company Size: Makaro is a growing company. While specific numbers aren't provided, the description implies a lean, agile team structure where individuals have significant impact and direct interaction with leadership. This suggests a startup or early-stage growth company environment.

Founded: Makaro was founded with a vision to create timeless pieces that express individuality, combining aesthetics, innovation, and craftsmanship. The company is driven by a clear mission and international potential.

Team Structure:

• Lean & Collaborative: Expect a close-knit team where cross-functional collaboration is essential.

• Founder-Led: Direct reporting and close working relationships with the founder are a key aspect of the culture.

• Specialized Roles: The team likely consists of individuals with specialized skills in design, production, marketing, and retail.

Methodology:

• Design-Centric: A strong emphasis on creative ideation, aesthetic refinement, and quality craftsmanship.

• Agile Development: Likely employs iterative processes for product development, allowing for quick adaptation to trends and feedback.

• Quality & Sustainability Focus: Commitment to high standards in materials, production, and ethical practices.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While creative-driven, there's an expectation of using trend and product analysis to guide strategic decisions.

Company Website: https://makarojewelry.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely fast-paced and entrepreneurial, offering a high degree of autonomy and impact. The emphasis on "modern, expressive design" and "clear form language" suggests a sophisticated aesthetic sensibility within the team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer/Developer. It requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in prototyping and production liaison, and analytical capabilities for market research. The expectation is for the individual to contribute independently to the product lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer/Developer will report directly to the founder and collaborate closely with the production team in Budapest and potentially marketing/sales functions. This indicates a flat organizational structure with direct access to leadership.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer/Developer's work is foundational to Makaro's market success. Their ability to create desirable, high-quality, and manufacturable products directly influences:

• Revenue Generation: Through the appeal and salability of new collections.

• Brand Reputation: By ensuring design excellence and adherence to quality standards.

• Operational Efficiency: By optimizing designs for cost-effective and scalable production.

• Market Competitiveness: By staying ahead of trends and offering unique, well-executed designs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Line Ownership: Opportunity to take increasing ownership of specific jewelry collections or product categories.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like CAD, sustainable materials, or specific jewelry-making techniques.

• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, opportunities may arise for leading design initiatives or managing junior designers.

• Brand Development: Contribute to the overall brand vision and product strategy.

• International Market Exposure: Gain experience in adapting designs for different international markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests that while the candidate will be executing tasks, they are also expected to bring their own ideas and problem-solving approaches to the table, contributing to strategic product decisions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based at the Makaro store in Vienna, suggesting a blend of retail environment and design studio/office space. This could offer direct customer interaction insights.

Office Location(s): Führichgasse, Makaro Store, Vienna 1010, Austria. This is a central, high-profile location in Vienna.

Workspace Context:

• Creative Hub: The workspace is expected to foster creativity, with potential access to design tools, materials, and a collaborative atmosphere.

• Customer Proximity: Being located in a store allows for direct observation of customer engagement with products and immediate feedback loops.

• Team Interaction: Close proximity to the founder and potentially other core team members will facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

• Production Link: While production is in Budapest, the Vienna location will be the hub for design and concept development.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with "flexible working models." This suggests a degree of autonomy in structuring the workday, balancing core hours with personal needs, while maintaining on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement, combined with flexible models, indicates a company that values in-person collaboration and direct team engagement, while also recognizing the importance of work-life balance for its employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and cover letters, with a strong emphasis on the submitted portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the founder and/or key team members, discussing their design process, technical skills, and problem-solving approaches.

• Technical/Design Challenge: A potential practical exercise or design prompt to assess on-the-spot creative thinking, problem-solving, and application of design tools.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to assess alignment with Makaro's brand values, creative ethos, and collaborative work style.

• Final Interview: May involve further discussion on salary expectations, role specifics, and integration into the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to jewelry design, product development, and optimization.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the outcome (e.g., improved manufacturability, aesthetic enhancement).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in CAD, 3D modeling, and prototyping techniques. Show renderings, technical drawings, or photos of physical prototypes.

• Emphasize Optimization: Include examples where you successfully improved a product's design for cost, function, or manufacturability. Explain your rationale and the results.

• Showcase Brand Understanding: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an ability to design within a specific brand identity or aesthetic.

• Be Concise: Present your portfolio clearly and efficiently. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Makaro's Aesthetic: Familiarize yourself with Makaro's current collections and brand identity. Be ready to discuss what you like and how you would contribute.

• Design Thinking: Practice rapid sketching and ideation techniques.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach specific design challenges, such as optimizing a complex piece for mass production or sourcing sustainable materials within a budget.

• Material & Production Knowledge: Brush up on common jewelry materials and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not just show their work but to articulate the strategic thinking, technical execution, and problem-solving that went into each piece.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard jewelry CAD software such as Rhino, MatrixGold, or similar is essential.

• 3D Modeling Software: Experience with general 3D modeling tools like ZBrush, Blender, or SolidWorks may also be beneficial for complex forms or prototyping.

• Rendering Software: Tools for creating high-quality visualizations of designs (e.g., Keyshot, V-Ray) will be important for presentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Tools: Familiarity with tools or methods for trend analysis, competitor benchmarking, and consumer insight gathering.

• Product Performance Data: Ability to interpret sales data or customer feedback to inform design iterations (though direct access to sophisticated analytics platforms may be limited in a smaller team).

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: While not explicitly stated, experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com could be beneficial for managing design projects and workflows.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email for effective cross-functional communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on specialized design and modeling software. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. The "development" aspect implies a need for understanding how designs translate into manufacturable products, requiring technical knowledge beyond pure aesthetics.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Expression: A passion for unique, modern, and expressive design is central to Makaro's ethos.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to high standards in materials, finish, and overall product quality.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new ideas, materials, and design approaches.

• Collaboration: Working together as a close-knit team to achieve shared goals, with open communication and mutual respect.

• Efficiency & Pragmatism: Balancing creative vision with practical considerations for production, cost, and market viability.

• Sustainability: A growing focus on ethical sourcing and environmentally conscious practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Open: Expect frequent communication and collaboration directly with the founder and core team members.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work closely with production, and likely marketing/sales, ensuring a holistic approach to product development.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.

• Agile & Responsive: The ability to adapt quickly to new ideas, market shifts, and production needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of artistic passion and entrepreneurial drive. Team members are expected to be proactive, collaborative, and aligned with the brand's aesthetic and quality standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into feasible, cost-effective, and scalable production processes.

• Material Sourcing & Sustainability: Navigating the complexities of sourcing high-quality, ethically produced, and sustainable materials within budget.

• Market Trend Adaptation: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving jewelry trends while maintaining Makaro's unique brand identity.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Ensuring clear and effective communication with the production team in Budapest.

• Growth Pacing: Adapting design and production processes to meet the demands of a growing international brand.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Jewelry Design Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in advanced CAD techniques, stone setting, metalworking, and other jewelry crafts.

• Sustainability Practices: Develop expertise in sustainable material sourcing, ethical production, and circular design principles within the jewelry industry.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Gain comprehensive experience across the entire product lifecycle, from ideation to market launch and optimization.

• Brand Strategy Contribution: Influence the strategic direction of Makaro's product lines and brand aesthetic.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Learn about marketing, sales, and retail operations through close collaboration with these departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for hands-on learning in a specialized industry. The challenges are inherent to product development in a growing, quality-focused brand, providing rich ground for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new collection that embodies Makaro's 'modern, expressive design with a clear form language' ethos?" (Focus on process, inspiration, and brand alignment)

• "Describe a time you had to optimize a product design for manufacturability or cost reduction. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving, technical understanding, and impact)

• "How do you stay updated on jewelry trends, and how would you balance trend-following with maintaining a unique brand identity?" (Demonstrate market awareness and strategic thinking)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Makaro specifically, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our brand?" (Show genuine interest and cultural fit)

• "How would you describe your ideal collaborative relationship with a production team located in another country?" (Assess communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the brief, your design process, key decisions, technical challenges, and the final outcome.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, photos, CAD screenshots) to illustrate your design intent and execution.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any measurable results of your design work (e.g., improved production efficiency, positive customer feedback).

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your CAD techniques, material choices, and manufacturing considerations.

• Highlight Optimization: Specifically point out projects where you successfully optimized a design for production, cost, or functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of creative flair, technical competence, and a practical understanding of how design impacts production and business goals. Be prepared to discuss both the 'why' and the 'how' of your design decisions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer / Developer position:

• Submit Your Application: Visit the provided link on the Personio platform and complete the application form.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to Makaro, highlighting your passion for jewelry design, your understanding of their brand, and how your skills directly address the job requirements.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant and impactful projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your design process, technical skills (CAD, 3D), prototyping abilities, and any experience with product optimization for manufacturing. Include high-resolution images and concise project descriptions.

• Prepare Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your years of experience, specific design software proficiencies, and any relevant achievements in product development, ideally within the jewelry sector. Use keywords from the job description.

• Anticipate the Interview: Review Makaro's collections and brand identity thoroughly. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and discuss your approach to design, production, and market trends.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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