Engraving Artist | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

The Engraving Artist is the cornerstone of our customization services, responsible for transforming client visions into tangible, beautifully crafted works of art. This role requires a unique combination of artistic sensibility and technical expertise to operate sophisticated engraving machinery and perform delicate hand-engraving tasks. You will be the final touchpoint for quality, ensuring every piece that leaves our studio meets the highest standards of excellence and captures the customer's intent perfectly. This position is critical in upholding our brand's reputation for superior quality and bespoke craftsmanship.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graphic Designer with an interest in tangible products
Jeweler or Metalsmith
CNC Machinist or Operator
Fine Arts Graduate or Apprentice

Advancement To:

Senior Engraving Artist or Master Engraver
Production Manager or Workshop Supervisor
Customization Department Lead
Small Business Owner (Engraving Services)

Lateral Moves:

Product Designer
Quality Assurance Specialist
CAD/CAM Programmer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and maintain a range of engraving equipment, including CO2 and fiber laser systems, rotary engravers, and traditional hand-engraving tools, ensuring optimal performance.
Translate client concepts, sketches, and specifications into detailed, production-ready digital designs using vector-based software like Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.
Execute intricate engraving tasks on a diverse array of materials such as precious metals, stainless steel, glass, wood, leather, and acrylics with extreme precision.
Perform rigorous quality control inspections on all finished products to guarantee they are free of defects and meet precise design specifications and client expectations.
Consult directly with clients or sales staff to clarify project requirements, offer expert advice on design possibilities, and provide mock-ups for approval.
Manage and prioritize a queue of engraving jobs, efficiently scheduling workflow to meet demanding deadlines without sacrificing the quality of the final product.
Prepare various materials for the engraving process, which includes cleaning, measuring, and securely fixturing items to ensure accurate alignment and flawless results.
Calibrate engraving machinery regularly, troubleshoot technical issues, and perform routine preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
Develop and refine machine-specific code (like G-code) for complex, multi-layered, or three-dimensional engraving projects.
Skilfully execute traditional hand-engraving techniques using gravers, chisels, and other specialized tools for high-value, bespoke custom pieces.
Create and manage a library of digital assets, design templates, and machine settings to streamline future projects and ensure consistency across repeat orders.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, strictly adhering to all company and industry safety protocols, especially when handling machinery and materials.
Conduct test engravings on new or unfamiliar materials to determine the optimal machine settings for power, speed, and frequency to achieve the desired effect.
Apply advanced finishing techniques, including polishing, sandblasting, color filling, and cleaning, to enhance the visual appeal of the engraved item.
Interpret complex technical drawings, blueprints, and work orders to ensure the final output matches the required specifications exactly.

Secondary Functions

Document all project details, including materials used, machine settings, and design files, for future reference and process replication.
Collaborate with the design and marketing teams to develop new product samples and contribute to innovative engraving applications.
Assist in managing the inventory of raw materials and engraving supplies, notifying management when stock levels are low to prevent production delays.
Provide accurate time and cost estimates for custom engraving projects to support the sales and quoting process.
Carefully package and handle finished high-value and delicate items to ensure their safe transport and delivery to the client.
Train and mentor junior artists or apprentices on equipment operation, safety procedures, and advanced engraving techniques.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Vector Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level skill in Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or similar vector-based design software for creating and preparing digital artwork for engraving.
Engraving Machine Operation: Extensive hands-on experience operating, calibrating, and maintaining various engraving systems, including laser (CO2/Fiber), rotary, and CNC machines.
Material Knowledge: Deep understanding of how different materials (metals, glass, wood, plastics, leather) react to various engraving methods to achieve optimal results.
Hand-Engraving Techniques: Demonstrated ability in traditional hand-engraving using specialized tools like gravers and burins for fine detail work, particularly on jewelry and metal.
CAD/CAM Software: Familiarity with CAD/CAM software for creating toolpaths and programming CNC-based engraving equipment.
Quality Control Inspection: Ability to use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers) and visual inspection techniques to ensure output meets strict quality standards.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong ability to troubleshoot and resolve common mechanical and software issues with engraving equipment to minimize production downtime.

Soft Skills

Impeccable Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature with the ability to focus on the finest details to produce flawless, high-quality work consistently.
Artistic Ability & Creativity: A strong artistic sense with a keen eye for aesthetics, composition, typography, and layout.
Patience & a Steady Hand: The ability to work patiently on intricate, time-consuming projects requiring exceptional fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to think critically and creatively to overcome challenges related to design constraints, material properties, or equipment limitations.
Effective Communication: Clear and professional communication skills for collaborating with team members and understanding client needs and feedback.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality work within established deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by demonstrable professional experience and a strong portfolio.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or Industrial Design.
Certificate from a trade or vocational school specializing in engraving, jewelry arts, or CNC machining.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Fine Arts / Studio Art
Graphic Design
Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Industrial Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5+ years of direct, hands-on experience in a professional engraving role.

Preferred:

Experience in a high-volume production environment or a custom-order-based workshop.
A strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of materials, techniques (both machine and hand), and artistic styles.
Prior experience working with luxury goods, awards, or personalized giftware is highly desirable.