Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jewelry Wax Mold Maker & CAD Model Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly talented and meticulous Jewelry Wax Mold Maker to join our dynamic production team. This role is the critical link between artistic vision and tangible luxury, responsible for transforming intricate jewelry designs into perfectly crafted wax models ready for casting. The ideal candidate is a master of precision, possessing both the artistic sensibility for hand-carving and the technical expertise for CAD design and 3D printing. You will be instrumental in ensuring the quality, accuracy, and manufacturability of every piece that leaves our studio. This is a hands-on position for a creative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Jewelry Apprentice or Assistant
Bench Jeweler
CAD Technician or Drafter

Advancement To:

Master Mold Maker / Head of Model Making
CAD/CAM Department Manager
Jewelry Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

Jewelry Designer
Bench Jeweler / Stone Setter
Quality Control Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously hand-carve and sculpt intricate, dimensionally accurate wax models from design sketches and specifications, ensuring a high level of artistry and precision.
Leverage advanced CAD software, such as Rhino, MatrixGold, or ZBrush, to create detailed, production-ready 3D models of complex jewelry pieces.
Operate and maintain high-resolution 3D printers (e.g., SLA, DLP, Solidscape) to produce flawless wax or castable resin prototypes from CAD files.
Expertly create high-fidelity rubber and silicone molds from master models, determining optimal parting lines and ensuring no loss of detail.
Operate and calibrate wax injection machinery to produce consistent, high-quality wax replicas from molds, monitoring temperature and pressure for optimal results.
Painstakingly inspect, clean, assemble, and refine all wax models, removing flash, filling pores, and correcting any imperfections prior to casting.
Collaborate closely with jewelry designers to provide critical feedback on design feasibility, suggesting modifications to enhance manufacturability and structural integrity.
Analyze new designs for potential casting challenges, such as porosity, shrinkage, or incomplete fills, and proactively engineer solutions.
Set up and "tree" wax models onto a wax base for the lost-wax casting process, strategically placing sprues to ensure optimal metal flow and minimize defects.
Calculate metal and wax shrinkage rates and adjust model dimensions accordingly to ensure the final casted piece meets precise size specifications.
Skillfully repair, modify, and maintain existing rubber and silicone molds to extend their operational lifespan and ensure consistent quality.
Translate abstract concepts and 2D technical drawings into tangible, three-dimensional wax forms that are both beautiful and production-efficient.
Manage a high-volume workflow of model and mold-making tasks, effectively prioritizing projects to meet demanding production schedules and deadlines.
Perform rigorous quality control checks at every stage of the model and mold-making process to uphold the company's stringent quality standards.
Maintain a deep understanding of the properties and applications of various types of carving waxes, injection waxes, and mold-making materials.
Document all model specifications, mold details, and process parameters to create a comprehensive library for future reference and quality assurance.
Research, test, and assist in the implementation of new model-making technologies, materials, and techniques to drive continuous improvement.
Provide accurate time and material cost estimates for the creation of new models and molds to support project planning and budgeting.
Ensure the model-making workshop is kept clean, organized, and safe, following all company health and safety protocols.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to wax model quality, mold degradation, or equipment malfunction in a timely and effective manner.

Secondary Functions

Maintain and manage inventory of all model-making supplies, including waxes, silicone/rubber, and carving tools, placing orders as needed.
Assist in training junior staff or apprentices on model-making techniques, equipment operation, and safety procedures.
Participate in production meetings to provide updates on model-making status and coordinate with casting and finishing departments.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of production workflows by identifying and suggesting process enhancements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expertise in 3D jewelry design software (e.g., Rhino, MatrixGold, ZBrush, JewelCAD).
Proficiency in operating and maintaining 3D wax printers and other CAM equipment (e.g., Solidscape, EnvisionTEC).
Advanced hand-carving, sculpting, and filing skills with wax and other materials.
Deep knowledge of rubber and silicone mold creation, including vulcanizing and cold-pour RTV methods.
Skilled in operating and troubleshooting wax injection machines.
Thorough understanding of the entire lost-wax casting process, including sprueing and treeing.
Ability to accurately read and interpret 2D and 3D technical drawings and specifications.
Precision measurement skills using digital calipers, micrometers, and other gauges.
Comprehensive knowledge of jewelry construction, assembly, and finishing requirements.
Familiarity with the properties and behaviors of precious metals, particularly regarding shrinkage and casting.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to perfection.
Strong artistic and aesthetic sensibility.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and superior manual dexterity.
Creative and analytical problem-solving skills.
Effective time management and ability to perform under pressure to meet deadlines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within a team.
Patience, focus, and a methodical approach to complex tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Degree from a technical college or jewelry arts institute (e.g., GIA, New Approach School for Jewelers).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Jewelry Design & Manufacturing
Fine Arts / Sculpture
Industrial Design / CAD/CAM Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct experience in a professional jewelry manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

A strong portfolio demonstrating a range of wax carving, mold making, and CAD modeling projects.
Verifiable experience working with fine and high-end jewelry production.
Proven track record of successfully taking designs from concept to production-ready wax models.