Manager of Digital Fabrication, Technologies and Research
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.
- 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.
- 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.