KERING EYEWEAR Junior R&D & Smart Devices Engineer

Kering Eyewear, part of the global Luxury group Kering, is the most relevant player in the Luxury Eyewear market segment. We design, develop, manufacture, and distribute eyewear that blends creativity, innovation, and quality. Our portfolio spans a wide range of iconic brands including Gucci, Cartier, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, McQueen, Valentino, Chloé, Alaïa, Montblanc, Dunhill, Puma, and our proprietary brands LINDBERG, Maui Jim, and Zeal Optics. By combining industry expertise with a commitment to sustainability, we help our brands redefine design and craft eyewear that captivates consumers worldwide.

Your Opportunity

We are looking for a curious, proactive and technically minded Junior R&D & Smart Devices Engineer to support the development of next-generation Smart Glasses and other Smart Devices and the scouting, assessment and implementation of innovative technologies across manufacturing and operational processes.

The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of luxury eyewear, consumer electronics, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing technologies.

How you will contribute

Smart Devices Development

• Support the management and execution of Smart Devices development projects in collaboration with internal teams, technology partners and external suppliers.

• Monitor project activities, milestones, risks and action plans.

• Collect, organize and analyze technical documentation, specifications and benchmarking information.

• Support cross-functional coordination among Product Development, Industrialization, Quality, Compliance and Supply Chain teams.

• Prepare project reviews, status reports and executive presentations.

Innovation Scouting & Technology Assessment

• Continuously monitor technology trends and emerging innovations in:

  • Smart Glasses and Smart Devices
  • Consumer electronics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Advanced manufacturing technologies
  • Automation and robotics
  • Innovative materials and sustainable solutions

• Perform market and technology benchmarking activities.

• Analyze and compare alternative technical solutions, suppliers and technology providers.

• Build business cases and recommendation reports supporting decision making.

Digital Transformation & AI

• Support identification and evaluation of AI-based tools capable of improving product development, industrialization and manufacturing processes, consistent with current R&D objectives focused on AI-enabled process improvements.

• Participate in pilot projects related to automation, digitalization and process optimization.

• Explore and test AI productivity tools for data analysis, document generation, reporting and presentation development.

• Support the collection and analysis of project data and performance metrics.

Materials & Technology Development

• Support scouting and evaluation of innovative materials and manufacturing technologies for eyewear applications.

• Coordinate testing activities with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Contribute to technical assessments regarding feasibility, quality, performance, sustainability and industrial scalability.

• Prepare technical summaries and recommendation reports.

Who you are

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Innovation Management or equivalent technical field.

• Fluent English.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.

• Basic understanding of product development and industrialization processes.

• Interest in consumer electronics and wearable technologies.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies.

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Demonstrates AI literacy and the ability to responsibly leverage AI tools to enhance effectiveness and decision-making, while applying critical thinking and sound judgment

• Knowledge of eyewear products and manufacturing processes (preferred).

• Experience with automation, robotics or Industry 4.0 technologies (preferred).

• Familiarity with AI applications in manufacturing, quality control or engineering (preferred).

• Basic knowledge of electronics and embedded systems (preferred).

• Strong curiosity and passion for innovation.

• Entrepreneurial mindset and proactive approach.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• Team player with an international and cross-functional mindset.

• High learning agility and willingness to explore new technologies.

What we offer

• CCNL applicato: contratto collettivo per gli addetti alle aziende che producono occhiali e articoli inerenti l’occhialeria.

• Categoria: impiegato.

• Retribuzione indicativa iniziale: € 35.000.

• Bonus annuale variabile.

• Benefit: oltre a quanto previsto da CCNL e dalla normativa vigente, sono previsti ulteriori benefit e iniziative conformemente alle policy aziendali in vigore.

Why work with us?

This is a fabulous opportunity to join the Kering Eyewear adventure and to actively contribute to the development of the business by becoming part of a thriving Company in a global Luxury Group that offers endless possibilities to learn and grow. Talent development is a managerial principle at Kering and we are committed to fostering internal mobility. Our common vision promotes leadership skills and helps every employee to reach their full potential in a stimulating and fulfilling workplace environment.

Kering is committed to building a diverse workforce. We believe diversity in all its forms – gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs and sexual orientation – enriches the workplace. It opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to adapt to a changing world. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.