Digital Fabrication Labs Lead Technician

As a digital fabrication lab lead technician, you will maintain the safety, functionality, and cleanliness of lab equipment and buildings while providing outstanding customer service and helping SCAD students from all academic departments achieve their goals. You will anticipate and enforce all lab policies, procedures, and safety measures. In coordination with the lab operations manager (LOM), you will manage hours of operation and staff schedules to support the academic calendar. You will regularly review shop usage statistics to ensure efficient use of personnel and space, and train staff on the use and care of all lab equipment, as well as on policies, procedures, and customer service. Additionally, you will ensure billing accuracy and process paperwork promptly.

In this role, you will oversee the Digital Fabrication Labs equipment to ensure it operates efficiently and reliably. This includes collaborating with the LOM to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair equipment and to maintain usage statistics. You will communicate all equipment and machine concerns to the LOM, assist with identifying solutions, and integrate and deploy new technology. You will proactively provide the manager with required data, including up-to-date inventories and safety or equipment concerns. Among other duties, you will identify and develop solutions to enhance lab functionality and efficiency, complete maintenance and thorough cleaning of the lab and equipment, and manage sufficient material inventories. You will also unload and restock consumable materials, prepare recyclable returns, and provide inventory data or reports to the LOM.

In this position, you will ensure implementation and compliance with all established safety policies and procedures. You will demonstrate safe, correct operation of equipment and guarantee compliance with all established workflows. An unconditional commitment to workplace safety protocols and standards is required. Each day, you will provide students and faculty with high-level support to ensure quality of output. Responsibilities include assistance with basic fabrication issues, proper file setup, and project completion. You will proactively process jobs, identify project issues, and provide solutions. You will also schedule and conduct demonstrations and tours for the Digital Fabrication Labs.

As a lead technician, you will maintain professionalism and work across various SCAD lab spaces as needed. You will meet frequently with the LOM and serve as a backup for daily issues in their absence. Among other duties, you will provide backup operations support during periods of high demand and participate in the university’s special projects and events.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication, organizational, critical thinking, and time-management skills. They excel at prioritization, collaboration, and troubleshooting technical issues. The candidate is detail-oriented, highly observant, and shows a strong work ethic. They can manage inventory, maintain equipment, and keep the workspace clean and safe. They can also provide guidance on equipment use and techniques and adapt to changing needs or challenges in a lab setting. Additionally, they are knowledgeable about safety protocols and committed to promoting a safe working environment for students and staff. The candidate can also learn additional proprietary machine software efficiently.

Minimum qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree or at least three years of experience in a related field
• Familiar with the operation and maintenance of 3D printers, laser cutters, and 3D scanning equipment
• Proficient in Rhinoceros, SolidWorks, Adobe software, and Microsoft Office software
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior experience in an educational environment, particularly in a studio, workshop, or digital fabrication lab
• Experience with large format paper printing, model making techniques, materials, and safety protocols
• Mechanical or electrical knowledge

Work hours: The university work week is Sunday through Saturday. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To accommodate business needs, employees may be assigned to other workdays and/or hours, including weekends and evenings. 

ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.