Manager of Digital Fabrication, Technologies and Research

Job Level
Mid-level position
Job Category
Manager / Supervisor
Sector
  • Applied Tech (STEAM / Maker / CS / Design)
  • Curriculum / Program
Job Status
Areas of Responsibility
  • Maker / Fabrication
  • Research
Reporting to the Dean and Department Manager, the incumbent directs the efforts supporting the practice and process of analog and digital fabrication and other related research technologies at the School. The successful candidate will manage two fully equipped facilities designated for building models, architectural and design fabrication, and exploring building systems, and the equipment, technologies, and materials at these facilities. The incumbent also works with students in model construction and studio projects, providing consultation and support to students and faculty at the School. The Manager supports and participates in undergraduate and graduate structures courses, and is responsible for all training and compliance matters related to the use of the School's workshops and fabrication and research laboratories, including but not limited to mandatory safety training on equipment and tools. This individual supervises two senior laboratory technicians and oversees a program of graduate student employees, or shop monitors.

The position is full time and may require some weekend and evening hours during the academic year.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Architecture Workshop, Digital Fabrication and Research Laboratory Oversight:
- Oversees the operations of the School of Architecture Laboratory and Laboratory of Embodied Computation facilities, including analog fabrication equipment and tools, and rapid prototyping/digital fabrication technology.
- Consults with and supports faculty and students on model construction, studio projects, and other research projects.
- Oversees the safe operation of the architectural lab, shop, and research facilities at the School, including the handling of building materials, chemicals, equipment, and power tools.
- Manages the scheduling, purchasing, and processing material deliveries to the facilities.
- Manages the procurement, storage and handling of design and construction supplies, and other classroom materials.
- Spearheads the development, review, and implementation of safety procedures for the School's workshops and laboratories.
- Oversees the orientation and safety training program, within compliance of University policies and OSHA standards.

Technology and Equipment Management, Instruction, and Support:
- Researches, develops, manages and continually improves the digital fabrication services and facilities in the School.
- Experience in programming, set-up and operation of digital fabrication equipment, including 3D printing, rapid prototyping and CNC operations, and all types of construction.
- Collaborates and consults with faculty, students, researchers and practitioners on the digital fabrication of models, prototypes and built work for academic and research projects.
- Supervises and consults with students and faculty on the tool/equipment set-up and use.
- Provides technical instruction and guidance to students on the use of design tools and programs in coordination with course requirements and learning outcomes as determined by the faculty.

 
Essential Qualifications
- Manages the acquisition, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of conventional and computerized shop/studio equipment.
- Manages training programs, access, supplies and operations of digital fabrication tools.
- Coordinates tools and materials inventory, waste management, usage fees, and compliance of prescribed policies and practices regarding shop operations.
- Manages maintenance contracts, maintenance routines and maintenance best practices for all fabrication equipment.
- Works with the Department Manager on the budget planning and reporting for School's shop and fabrication equipment, and additional research equipment.
- Monitors users and equipment, review files and intervene when necessary to assure proper equipment use.
- Oversees and documents regular routine and preventive maintenance on all tools and equipment.

Staff Supervision:
- Supervises a staff of 2 senior laboratory technicians and a program of 16-20 graduate student-level shop monitors.
- Responsible for the hiring, performance reviews, and termination of the technical staff.
- Oversees the shop monitor program, which includes recruitment, training, and general supervision of student employees who work in the lab and shop.

Other:
- May occasionally instruct laboratory activities or graduate and undergraduate structures/building technology classes that use the labs and shops to carry out projects.
- With the Department Manager and Dean, oversees all construction projects within the confines of the School of Architecture facilities.
- Manages some building services tasks and projects with the School administration, as needed.
- Performs other duties as determined by the Dean and Department Manager.

Essential Qualifications:
- A master's degree in architecture, industrial design, visual or fine arts, or related field with significant experience in conventional and digital fabrication methods.
- Strong building and model-making skills, as well as basic construction and shop skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge in some, if not all, of the following areas: wood technology machinery/fabrication, metal fabrication, digital and analog techniques, digital fabrication and rapid prototyping and CNC equipment and technology (lasercutter, CNC router, robotic arm, etc.), material handling and OSHA standards.
- Experience with and working knowledge of Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar platforms, and related physical computation, circuitry, and programming.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including the ability to communicate well orally and in writing, and to work effectively with faculty, students, staff, and others with tact, discretion, and courtesy.
- Must be well-organized, flexible, and able to work in diverse situations and with demanding deadlines. Able to work efficiently and calmly under pressure.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, problem solve, and provide high quality support to faculty, staff, and students and programs.
- Occasionally night and weekend work is required.
- Advanced knowledge in performing routine maintenance and oversight of a working lab.
- Experience and ability to supervise staff and student workers.
- Understanding of digital computation software (2D-3D software) and ability to read and create CAD files.
- Manages and provides oversight of budget for material, equipment/tool, and supply purchases.
- Ability to perform with a high degree of concentration, requiring acute hand/eye coordination, and to lift 50 pounds or more.

 
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred:

- Professional degree in architecture.
- Valid driver's license.
- Significant experience using and/or managing analog and digital fabrication tools and equipment in a workshop environment, preferably within an academic or research setting.
- Experience working in a fabrication lab or other maker facility.
- Dedicated work experience in such fabrication technologies as 3D printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, and robotic arms.
- Experience training individuals in the use of analog and digital fabrication systems.
- Experience using scripting, coding, and other software tools for digital and/or fabrication designs.

The final candidate will be required to complete a background check successfully.