3D Animation & Visual Effects Lab Technician

Academy of Art University; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy of Art University in San Francisco seeks a Lab Technician to provide hands-on software troubleshooting and exceptional customer service to students, staff, and faculty in the on-site lab and rLab. You will monitor equipment, assist instructors, and help maintain a conducive learning environment.

Proficiency with Adobe CC, Maya, ZBrush, and related tools is required, with strong problem-solving and communication skills. This full-time role offers $22/hour pay and weekend availability.

Qualifications

• Strong problem solving skills and ability to troubleshoot software/hardware issues.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities; professional communication with faculty, staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Support students, staff and instructors to resolve Academic / Technical issues in the onsite lab & rLab.
• Provide excellent customer service and a friendly presence for students and faculty.
• Monitor lab usage and check-in/check-out students using WCO tools.
• Coordinate with Campus Hosts to ensure smooth workflow and safety of equipment.
• Assist with department exhibitions and maintain department displays.

Skills

Computer literacy

Problem solving

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Editing skills

Professional communication

Tools

Adobe CC Suite

Autodesk Maya

ZBrush

Mari

Unreal Engine

Substance Painter

Nuke

Houdini

Arnold

Job description

Driven. Engaging. Innovative. Do these words motivate you? If so, then we want to talk with you.The Lab Technician will provide professional customer service, by communicating and troubleshooting directly with the students, staff, and faculty. Responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting of software issues, investigating new solutions, and streamlining processes of various software systems.Responsibilities:Support students, staff, and instructors to resolve Academic / Technical issues in the onsite lab & rLab (virtual lab).Provide excellent customer service. Provide a cordial and friendly presence to students, faculty and staff.Monitor student use of the onsite lab and rLab. Use the WCO tools to check-in/check-out students. Communicate and coordinate with the Campus Hosts to ensure the smooth workflow.Ensure that defaulting students are not attending classes or using equipment.Assist students with software/equipment troubleshooting in-person, through email, Discord, or Zoom.Collaborate with IT- Classroom Support Group to assist instructors and students with computer and software issues, to ensure that teachers can get back to instruction in the classroom as quickly as possible.Assist with department run exhibitions and festivals.Help maintain departmental aesthetic (change and update displays within department), including desktop publishing (fliers, videos, and other promotional media).Check the status of all equipment in lab and the classrooms.Protect equipment from theft and vandalism.Maintain a clean, functional and productive learning environment.Providing support and assistance to the Department Director.•Qualifications & Requirements:Computer literacy / Problem solving / Confidentiality / Attention to detail / Editing skills / Professional Communication SkillsExcellent organizational and time management skills and ability to work professionally with faculty, staff, administrators, external contacts and the general public.Expert knowledge in one or more the following softwares: Adobe CC Suite, Autodesk Maya, Z Brush, Mari, Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, Nuke, Houdini, Arnold.Must possess strong troubleshooting skills in both hardware and software on PC/Windows 10.Must have working knowledge of video editing, audio mixers.Shift Available: Hours to be determined upon hiring, up to 40 hours per week. Must be flexible and willing to work weekend, morning or night hours.Compensation: $22.00/hourBenefits:Application Deadline: September 8, 2026About UsAcademy of Art University, established in 1929 by Richard S. Stephens, transforms aspiring students into professional artists and designers. For three generations, the Stephens family has been devoted to the development of aspiring artists and has held the fundamental belief that with proper instruction, hard work and dedication, students can learn the skills necessary to become artistic professionals.