Eyewear Designer

Job description

About Sesame Sesame believes in a future where computers are lifelike - with the ability to see, hear, and collaborate with us in ways that feel natural and human. With this vision, we're designing a new kind of computer, focused on making voice agents part of our daily lives. Our team brings together founders from Oculus and Ubiquity6, alongside proven leaders from Meta, Google, and Apple, with deep expertise spanning hardware and software. Join us in shaping a future where computers truly come alive. ABOUT THE SESAME DESIGN TEAM We are a group of individuals who care deeply about our craft. We are obsessive down to fractional millimeters. We have exceptional taste, and live in and are informed by fashion, luxury, and cultural spaces outside of technology. We value radical creativity, and view making and craft as one of the highest forms of human connection. We are passionate about things no one will ever see or know – simply because it’s the right thing to do. ABOUT THE ROLE We're looking for an Eyewear Designer who is passionate about creating luxury fashion eyewear that blends refined aesthetics, advanced materials, and thoughtful user experience. This role requires a strong sense of style, a deep understanding of frame construction, and the ability to translate trends, CMF direction, and brand DNA into distinctive, production-ready designs. You bring a trained eye for proportion, fit, and fashion relevance, and the technical rigor to move seamlessly from concept through manufacturing. You will shape collections that express traditional eyewear craftsmanship and contemporary design excellence at the frontier of what personal computing can look and feel like. RESPONSIBILITIES: CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT - Generate innovative eyewear design and CMF concepts that align with our brand's aesthetic, fashion direction, and user needs; contributing to and helping define our design language. - Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, CMF specialists, product managers, and modelers, to explore, develop, and refine frame concepts, silhouettes, and material approaches. DESIGN EXECUTION - Create detailed sketches, technical drawings to visualize and communicate design intent. - Develop prototypes and color/material mockups to evaluate proportions, fit, and aesthetic quality. - Present design proposals to stakeholders and incorporate feedback to refine frames, patterns, and CMF direction. USER-CENTERED DESIGN - Conduct fit studies, wear testing, and ergonomic evaluations to ensure frames are comfortable, balanced, and suitable for extended daily use. - Iterate on designs based on user insights, testing feedback, and internal reviews to optimize comfort, usability, and visual appeal. - Maintain a strong focus on nose bridge fit, temple comfort, weight distribution, and overall human factors. COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION - Work closely with engineering, manufacturing partners, and material suppliers to ensure design feasibility and production accuracy. - Communicate design rationale, specifications, and CMF decisions clearly to internal teams and external vendors. - Participate in design and prototype reviews, offering constructive feedback to elevate design quality and execution. INDUSTRY TRENDS AND INNOVATION - Stay informed on global fashion trends, eyewear silhouettes, color directions, and emerging materials. - Bring new fabrication techniques and fashion influences into concept development with intention and editorial point of view. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Strong portfolio showcasing both creative and technical design skills, with an emphasis on eyewear, accessories, or wearable products. - 5+ years of professional experience in eyewear design, fashion accessories, luxury goods, or closely related consumer product categories; experience in consumer electronics is a strong plus. - Strong understanding of frame construction, CMF development, and design for manufacturing in the eyewear industry. - High proficiency in 2D design tools (such as Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalent) for creating detailed drawings, CMF specs, and presentation layouts. - Exceptional sketching and visualization skills with the ability to communicate design concepts clearly and compellingly. - Strong aesthetic sensibility, trend awareness, and an eye for proportion, fit, and fashion relevance. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - In-depth knowledge of eyewear-specific materials and manufacturing processes including hinges, wire cores, acetate and metal fabrication, and surface finishing. - Experience with 3D design tools (Rhinoceros, Alias, or equivalent) for frame modeling and technical development. - Experience applying user-centered design methodologies, including fit studies, comfort testing, and iterative refinement. - Experience working with high-end eyewear brands, optical houses, or luxury fashion houses. - Familiarity with responsible material sourcing relevant to luxury eyewear. Sesame is committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome all qualified applicants, embracing diversity in race, gender, identity, orientation, ability, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Contact careers@sesame.com for assistance. Full-time Employee Benefits: - 401 (k) max employer match: 3.5% of compensation - 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for you and your dependents - Unlimited PTO and sick time - Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650/year (medical FSA) - Guardian Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Opportunity to share in the company's success with competitive stock options Benefits do not apply to contingent/contract workers.