Specialist Technical Instructor in Physical Computing

Royal College of Art; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal College of Art is seeking an experienced Specialist Technical Instructor to join our technical support team in London. You will provide technical instruction, demonstrations and support across physical computing, creative coding and related processes, while helping grow our equipment inventory and services.

You will work with students and staff to solve technical problems, maintain equipment safely, and contribute to teaching, learning and research activities in line with the role.

Qualifications

• Significant specialist knowledge of physical computing and coding, fluency in Python, Processing or C++.
• Strong experience in at least one web language (JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS).
• Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi and soldering/micro-electronics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to use initiative and work as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational, time management, planning and problem solving skills
• Excellent user focus and a flexible approach
• Applications for expressions of interest will close on 22 September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction and demonstrations in physical computing, creative coding, wearables.
• Support growth of physical computing and creative coding; assist with equipment procurement and setup.
• Engage in continual learning as part of a dynamic team.
• Assist students and staff in solving technical problems.
• Maintain equipment, ensure safety and keep records.
• Support teaching, learning and research activities requiring physical computing.

Skills

Physical computing

Creative coding

Python

Processing

C++

JavaScript

HTML/CSS

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Soldering

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Soldering

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, adaptable, dynamic, highly motivated and outcome focused person to work with our technical support team at the Royal College of Art. The day job as a Specialist Technical Instructor:

• Provide technical instruction, support, advice and demonstrations in physical Computing, Creative Coding, Wearable Tech and related technical processes.
• Support the growth of Physical Computing and Creative Coding including the buying and setting up of new equipment and services.
• Continual learning as part of a dynamic team.
• Assist students and staff in problem solving and finding technical solutions.
• Maintain specialist equipment and safety and keep accurate records.
• Support College Teaching, Learning, Research activity that may require Physical Computing and Creative Coding as appropriate for the role.

What you will need to have

• Significant, highly skilled, specialist knowledge of physical computing and associated coding and programming processes including; fluency in one or more established coding language (Python, Processing, C++)
• Significant knowledge and experience of at least one web based language: Javascript, PHP, HTML, CSS.
• Significant knowledge and experience of one or more of the following processes; Arduino, Raspberry Pi and soldering & micro-electronics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to use initiative and work as part of a team.
• Excellent organisational, time management, planning and problem solving skills
• Excellent user focus and a flexible approach
• Applications for expressions of interest will close on the 22nd Sept 2026.

The Recruitment Process: As part of your application you may be invited to an in-person interview or technical test. The Royal College of Art is committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, where differences are valued and celebrated and where innovation, creativity and diversity can flourish. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of the RCA community and recognise some may need additional support completing an application process, for example dyslexia. The Royal College of Art is also a committed member of the Two Ticks' Positive About Disability Scheme. If this application is not accessible to you and you wish to declare a learning difference or disability then you may request to submit an audio or video file, or speak to us about other ways in which we can support your application - [e-mail], RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/ The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected. We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment. Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format.