Fab Lab Coordinator

Arts University Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts university in Plymouth seeks a Fab Lab Coordinator for a dynamic role leading technical consultancy and overseeing commercial projects in product design. This full-time position requires strong leadership, expertise in digital fabrication, and a passion for innovation. Ideal candidates will have a proven background in product design, team management, and client engagement. Join us to shape the future of creative technology and educational innovation.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted bus tickets

Qualifications

• Track record of managing technical teams and budgets.
• Proficient in advanced digital fabrication techniques.
• Experience leading commercial projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial activity in Fab Lab South West.
• Build client relationships to enhance service profile.
• Provide technical consultancy and prototyping for clients.

Skills

Leadership skills

Product design and prototyping

Digital fabrication techniques

3D CAD tools (e.g., Rhino, Fusion 360)

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Product Design or related field

Tools

Rhino

Fusion 360

CNC machining

Arduino

Job description

Salary: Band 7 - starting salary £36,130 with annual, incremental progression up to £39,355

Hours: Full time - 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing date: 19th of October, 2025

Internal title - Fab Lab Coordinator (Product Design and Prototyping Specialist)

As part of an exciting transformation within the Fab Lab at Arts University Plymouth, we\'re expanding our team with multiple new roles. We are seeking a Fab Lab Coordinator (Product Design and Prototyping Specialist) to lead high-level technical consultancy and commercial projects within Fab Lab South West.

In this role, you’ll apply your extensive knowledge of digital fabrication and prototyping to deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients, from design and development to production-ready standards. You will oversee the commercial and operational management of the Fab Lab and line-manage the team of Fab Lab Technologists. You will ensure the Fab Lab resources and services meet both academic and commercial needs.

The Fab Lab Coordinator (Product Design and Prototyping Specialist) is a creative product design role in a fast-paced environment, with the chance to shape the future of commercial innovation at a leading University. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about digital fabrication, creative technology, and driving innovation through collaboration.

About You

• A strategic leader with a track record of managing technical teams, budgets, and commercial projects within a creative or industrial setting.
• Experienced in product design and prototyping, with a deep understanding of advanced digital fabrication techniques, 3D CAD tools (e.g., Rhino, Fusion 360), and materials processing.
• Passionate about driving innovation and developing commercial opportunities, including consultancy, R&D, and industry collaborations.
• Skilled at managing and prioritising multiple projects simultaneously, delivering to tight deadlines, and leading teams to meet targets and client expectations.
• A confident communicator, able to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels, from internal colleagues to external partners and clients.
• Proven experience in product design and prototyping, with applied use of digital fabrication tools and 3D design software (Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar).
• Experience managing staff or leading technical teams, and managing budgets and project delivery in commercial or collaborative settings.
• Expert skills in a relevant technical area, for example CNC machining, electronics design (PCBs, Arduino), digital fabrication workflows, or plastics prototyping.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety in technical environments, and willingness to undertake First Aid and further training.

About The Role

• Lead commercial activity in Fab Lab South West, including costing, delivery, and income generation through consultancy, prototyping, collaborative R&D, and industry-funded projects, ensuring high-quality results within agreed budgets and timescales.
• Build relationships to grow the profile and client base of Fab Lab South West.
• Provide hands-on prototyping and technical problem-solving for clients, from design and build through testing to production-ready standards.
• Line-manage and develop the Fab Lab Technologists, balancing and supporting curriculum, research, and commercial activity.
• Oversee daily operations, facilities, and Health and Safety, ensuring resources, maintenance, and compliance; monitor and report performance against income, utilisation, and impact targets.
• Work with the Office for Research and Innovation to scope and cost projects, contribute to funding bids and knowledge exchange.

In return you’ll receive

• 30 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, and closure efficiency days
• Access to a supportive Employee Assistance Programme
• Enrolment onto a generous Local Government Pension scheme
• Additional benefits such as a cycle to work scheme and discounted bus tickets

Please refer to the role profile for more information - Fab Lab Coordinator.

Technical - The successful candidate will be willing to contribute to our ambitions and international profile as an innovative, sustainable and broadly inclusive arts university.

Safeguarding and Compliance All appointments are subject to a DBS check, and you will be required to provide appropriate documentation as part of the onboarding process.

Right to Work Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship. Proof of Right to Work will be required before an offer of employment is made.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form. Please note that we are unable to accept CVs in place of a completed application.

• We encourage early applications, as the advert may close prior to the listed closing date due to high levels of interest. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

If you are interested in the role and would like to find out more, please contact Ian Hutchinson, Director of Development and Partnerships.

Arts University Plymouth has a strong commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. A satisfactory DBS disclosure will be required from successful candidates as a condition of appointment. We celebrate equality, diversity and difference, and welcome candidates from all communities, including applications from service people and their families as part of the Armed Forces Covenant. In the event that the University has employees eligible for redeployment at the time of shortlisting, these candidates may be entitled to a priority interview.

Creative Education for a Changing World — Arts University Plymouth will set a vision towards 2030 based upon sustainable growth, solution-focused teaching and research, and a commitment to impactful social justice and ecological change through its people, culture and place. Our strategy Creative Education for a Changing World is built upon three pillars: Creative Endeavour, Sustainable Futures, and People & Place, guiding Teaching for our Time.

About The Fab Lab Network/Fab Foundation — The Fab Lab Network is a global community of fabricators, artists, scientists, engineers, educators, students, and professionals. Find out more here.

Why Plymouth? Our city has been recognised for quality of life and a vibrant culture. More details are available in the role posting.