Production Labs Technician

About the role

The Technician will support the day-to-day operations of the School of Design Shop, a diverse educational fabrication facility serving the School’s curricular needs, with occasional support in other labs as needed. This role is ideal for a highly motivated educator and maker with expertise in traditional woodworking and some experience operating digital rapid prototyping technology, including CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The Technician will join an interdisciplinary team committed to fostering a safe, innovative, and robust culture of making, providing students and faculty with practical technical support.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the safe operation, set-up, inspection, and maintenance of equipment and tools, performing troubleshooting relating to the repair and installation of shop equipment and technologies.
• Supervise daily student and faculty work in the shop and its related satellite resources, providing technical guidance and support for faculty teaching in the shop.
• Hire, train, and supervise student employees in the safe handling and basic operation of shop equipment and tools.
• Support the Production Lab’s delivery of non-credit instruction, conducting shop safety certifications and participating in workshop coordination and development.
• Collaborate with the department head in the development and implementation of training materials, procedures, policies, and services for student employees, student users, staff, and faculty.
• Support the continuous improvement of resources and facilities by researching and recommending technological developments within the field.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of five years of related experience working in a shop or fabrication environment.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a relevant certificate of fitness or safety license.
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working with student employees in a supervisory capacity.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of a wide range of tools and fabrication techniques in wood, metal, plastic, and foam, with expertise in at least one of the following: woodworking, cold forming of metals, plastic modeling and casting, and application of finishes.
• Some previous experience in rapid prototyping with at least one of the following: laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing (preferred).
• Understanding of health and safety regulations (preferred).
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of students and staff, demonstrating intercultural competence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating in a team environment.

Schedule

• Occasional weekend work during spring and fall semesters.
• Occasional overtime may be required at the end of each semester.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Work on feet approximately 75% of the workday, including standing for extended periods while delivering demonstrations and workshops.
• Ability to use hands for fine manual tasks such as threading machines, adjusting settings, and changing needles.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment, boxes, and other items, typically up to approximately 20 lbs.
• Regular work in a workshop and studio environment containing machines and other specialist equipment.
• Exposure to moderate levels of noise generated by multiple machines operating simultaneously.
• Regular interaction with and exposure to textile materials, dust, wet laboratory environments (including dyes, inks, textile chemicals, and cleaning agents).
• Regular work with pneumatic equipment, including air compressors and associated tools, in accordance with health and safety procedures.