Fabrication Lab Specialist - Student & Equipment Support

University of Kentucky; Kentucky; On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a STEPS Design Technology Specialist to support the daily operations of the College of Design fabrication and digital output labs in the Gray Design Building. This role assists students, faculty, and staff in the safe use of fabrication equipment and digital output technologies, while helping maintain an organized, safe lab environment.

The role also covers equipment oversight, materials management, recycling programs, and enforcing space usage policies,

Qualifications

• Basic experience with tools, fabrication equipment, or digital production technologies.
• Experience in a lab, workshop, or studio collaboration.
• Experience working in an academic or design lab environment.
• Familiarity with safety procedures and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day operation of fabrication labs and digital output spaces.
• Provide basic support and guidance to students using fabrication tools.
• Monitor lab activities for safe operation and adherence to procedures.
• Assist with routine maintenance and organization of lab equipment.
• Help students prepare files for fabrication (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, large-format printing).
• Troubleshoot basic user issues related to equipment and digital workflows.
• Support training and onboarding of students in lab procedures.
• Manage materials inventory and recycling programs.
• Coordinate and enforce lab space policies and procedures.
• Prepare labs for workshops and events.

Skills

Fabrication equipment

Lab collaboration

Safety procedures

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Fabrication technologies (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC, large-format printers)

Tools

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The University of Kentucky is seeking a STEPS Design Technology Specialist to support the daily operations of the College of Design fabrication and digital output labs in the Gray Design Building. This role assists students, faculty, and staff in the safe use of fabrication equipment and digital output technologies, while helping maintain an organized, safe lab environment.

The role also covers equipment oversight, materials management, recycling programs, and enforcing space usage policies,