Fabrication Labs Specialist

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington in Seattle seeks a Fabrication Labs Specialist to support the College of Built Environments’ fabrication facilities, train users, and maintain tools across metalworking, woodworking, and digital labs. This in-person role emphasizes safety, instruction, and facility operations, with 50% FTE scheduling and weekend flexibility.

The specialist collaborates with the Director and faculty to plan lab resources, develop safety protocols, and mentor student employees while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a design discipline or related field.
• At least two years of experience in digital fabrication and fabrication environments.
• Ability to train and mentor students and staff in lab settings.

Responsibilities

• Support technical instruction for tool use and lab safety.
• Maintain and organize Fabrication Labs facilities and equipment.
• Provide leadership in day-to-day operations of the labs.
• Develop and implement safety protocols and training.
• Schedule and coordinate lab maintenance and purchases.
• Train student employees and provide orientation.

Skills

Digital fabrication experience

Lab safety training

Supervision / mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in a design discipline

Tools

3D Printers

Laser cutters

CNC Routers / Plasma CNC

Rhino / Rhino CAM

Grasshopper

Fusion 360

Job description

Job Description

The College of Built Environments Fabrication Labs has an outstanding opportunity for a Fabrication Labs Specialist to join their team. The salary information provided below is for a full-time position and will be prorated for this part-time, 50% FTE opportunity.

About This Opportunity

Reporting to Fabrications Labs Director, Rae Moore, the position of Fabrication Labs Specialist serves the instructional fabrication needs of the College of Built Environments (CBE) faculty and students by providing technical instruction for tool resources and maintenance of fabrication facilities. This position supports the academic needs of CBE’s five departments: Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Real Estate, and Urban Design & Planning.

Key Responsibilities

Training/Program Support (50%)

• Support the College of Built Environments faculty and students by providing technical instruction for the use and maintenance of Fabrication Labs facilities. Support the implementation of all services offered by the Fabrication Labs in alignment with the needs of the college's five departments.
• Provide technical instructional assistance to students, faculty members, and external users using the CBE Fabrication Labs, while helping to define, promote, and exemplify a culture of safety in equipment and material usage.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies in the Fabrication Labs, assisting those involved and reporting occurrences.
• Across the metalworking, woodworking, and digital labs, instruct students, faculty members, and external users of the CBE Fabrication Labs on appropriate lab use via tool and safety trainings, workshops, and guides on tool resources.
• In coordination with the Fabrication Labs Director, stay current with program needs and changes within the departments of Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Real Estate, and Urban Design & Planning that affect CBE Fabrication Labs use.
• Work collaboratively with the Fabrication Labs Director, faculty members, and administrators to develop and plan support for fabrication courses taught within the College of Built Environments.

Equipment & Facility Maintenance (35%)

• Work collaboratively with the Fabrication Labs Director to develop, implement, and organize safety protocols.
• Purchase consumables, supplies, and equipment and assist in the tracking of budget expenditures.
• Provide leadership in the day-to-day technical operations of the CBE Fabrication Labs.
• Participate in the physical maintenance of tools, equipment, and associated resources used in metalworking, woodworking, and digital fabrication to provide a safe and productive working environment.
• Develop maintenance schedules.

Staff Administration (15%)

• In coordination with the Fabrication Labs Director, train, supervise, and develop Fabrication Labs student employees in the delivery of a spectrum of lab resources, safety guidelines, and preferred methods.
• Develop and organize orientation training and mentor student employees.

Position Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a design discipline, such as architecture, construction management, landscape architecture, real estate, urban design & planning, engineering, industrial design, robotics, fine arts, materials science, or other construction and fabrication-related fields.
• A minimum of two years of experience in digital fabrication, woodworking, and metalworking.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

Experience using the following fabrication tools:

• Physical computing
• 3D Printers
• Laser cutters
• CNC Routers/Plasma CNC (CAD/CAM Programming, 2 ½ axis, 3 axis, 4 axis)
• Casting (concrete, plaster)
• Machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication
• Furniture making, carpentry, or other architectural fabrication
• Working knowledge of CAD/CAM, other digital output processes and related 3D modeling/output software.
• Understanding of PPE standards and safety practices when handling hazardous materials or being exposed to dust and noise.
• Ability to write and document procedures clearly and present informally to groups and individual guests of the Labs.
• Demonstrated ability to train and interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Experience training students in an educational setting or adjacent environment.
• Flexibility in work hours. Some evening and/or weekend hours will be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Wide range of mobility to perform repairs to equipment, stand for long periods of time, and lift and carry objects weighing up to 40lbs.
• Commitment to continual learning. Curiosity about new materials, tools, and methods.
• Comfortable learning alongside students and admitting when unsure of an answer.
• Mentorship/instructional experience. Note that although this is not a teaching position, the role will involve training and mentoring a variety of users.
• Experience using Rhino, Rhino CAM, Grasshopper, and Fusion 360

Working Conditions

This position involves mostly fixed, scheduled hours Monday through Friday. However, because of the nature of the Fabrication Lab’s needs and the employee’s duties, it can require flexible scheduling and sometimes weekend hours to complement the schedules of the other staff members. This is a fully in-person job without opportunities for remote work.

About The Team

The Fabrication Labs staff consists of the Director, two specialists, and a great team of student staff who assist with day-to-day duties. The Labs work closely with CBE faculty, staff, and Facilities team members from across campus. Learn more about our labs, our tools, and our purpose by visiting our website at: https://be.uw.edu/spaces/labs/

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$61,368.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$80,400.00 annual

Other Compensation:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

50.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.