Metal Hardware Intern

Overview

Chanel is an independent, family-controlled French maison synonymous with couture, ready-to-wear, leather goods, fine jewelry, watches and beauty. The house is known for uncompromising craftsmanship, in-house ateliers and vertical integration across design, production and quality — offering a workplace where artisanal savoir‑faire intersects with industrial precision.

Role & Responsibilities

• Support the metal hardware team in the development and prototyping of components for leather goods and accessories.
• Prepare and revise technical drawings, specifications and bills of materials for metal parts, following design and production requirements.
• Coordinate sample production with internal prototyping workshops and external suppliers, tracking lead times and revisions.
• Assist in metallurgical and surface‑finish testing (plating, lacquering, passivation) and document results against quality standards.
• Contribute to supplier follow‑up including order tracking, quality inspections and corrective actions for non-conforming parts.
• Maintain component archives and digital records, ensuring version control for samples and production drawings.
• Support cost-estimation and sourcing exercises by compiling material and process data.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings with design, sourcing and production to ensure technical feasibility and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor’s or master’s programme in industrial design, mechanical engineering, materials science, jewelry/metalwork or related discipline.
• Foundational knowledge of metalworking processes (stamping, casting, CNC, plating, enameling) and surface-finishing techniques.
• Ability to interpret and produce technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple sample iterations.
• Professional communication skills for liaison with suppliers and cross-functional internal teams.
• Legal eligibility to undertake an internship in Italy (if applicable).

Skills

Experience

Prior internship or practical experience in product development, accessories manufacturing, jewelry or hardware prototyping is preferred but not mandatory. Experience liaising with suppliers or prototyping workshops is advantageous.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Jewellery Design or equivalent (in progress or recently completed).

Culture

Chanel combines a rigorous commitment to artisanal excellence with a structured industrial approach to product development. The organisation values discretion, meticulous craftsmanship and cross-disciplinary collaboration, offering interns exposure to both creative and technical processes within a heritage luxury maison.