Production Labs Technician (71104)

University of California; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Pratt Institute is seeking a full-time Technician for the School of Design's Production Labs. The role oversees shop safety, equipment operation, and student supervision, with expertise in woodworking and rapid prototyping technologies including CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing.

Reporting to the Director of Production Labs, the Technician supports instruction, safety certifications, and collaborative development of training materials while ensuring safe, dynamic learning in a diverse

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of five years related experience in a shop or fabrication environment.
• Preference for safety certificate or fitness/safety license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe operation, setup, inspection, and maintenance of shop equipment and tools.
• Supervise daily student and faculty work in the shop and provide technical guidance.
• Hire, train, and supervise student employees in safe handling and operation of shop equipment.
• Support non-credit instruction and shop safety certifications.
• Collaborate on training materials and shop procedures for users.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of resources and facilities.

Skills

Woodworking

CNC milling

Laser cutting

3D printing

Shop safety

Intercultural communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CNC machines

Laser cutters

3D printers

Job description

Pratt Institute is seeking candidates for a full-time Technician position within the School of Design's Production Labs.

Reporting to the Director of Production Labs, the Technician will support the day-to-day operations of the School of Design Shop, a diverse educational fabrication facility serving the School's curricular need, with occasional support in other labs as needed. The Technician is a highly motivated educator and maker, with expertise in traditional woodworking experience and some experience operating digital rapid prototyping technology, including CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The technician will join an interdisciplinary team committed to fostering a safe, innovative, and robust culture of making, and will provide students and faculty with practical technical support that will guide their practice in and beyond their time at Pratt.

This is an OPEIU Local 153 Technical Position.

Essential Duties:

• Oversee the safe operation, set-up, inspection, and maintenance of equipment and tools, performing troubleshooting relating to the repair and installation for shop equipment and technologies.
• Supervise daily student and faculty work in the shop and its related satellite resources, providing technical guidance and support for faculty teaching in the shop.
• Hire, train, and supervise student employees in the safe handling and basic operation of shop equipment and tools.
• Support the Production Lab's delivery of non-credit instruction, conducting shop safety certifications and participating in workshop coordination and development.
• Collaborate with the department head in the development and implementation of training materials, procedures, policies, and services to be used by student employees, student users, as well as staff and faculty working in the shop.
• Support the continuous improvement of resources and facilities, performing research and making recommendations to keep current with technological developments within the field.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent work experience required. Preference will be given to candidates with a relevant certificate of fitness or safety license.

Experience:

Minimum of five years related experience working in a shop or fabrication environment. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working with student employees in a supervisory capacity.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of a wide range of tools and fabrication techniques in wood, metal, plastic, and foam, and expertise in at least one of the following: woodworking, cold forming of metals, plastic modeling and casting, and application of finishes. Preference will be given to candidates with some previous experience in rapid prototyping with at least one of the following: laser cutting, CNCmilling, 3D printing. Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of students and staff, as well as demonstrate intercultural competence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, while also working collaboratively in a team environment.

Occasional weekend work during spring and fall semesters needed. Occasional overtime may be required at the end of each semester.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

Work on Feet:

Approximately 75% of the workday. Ability to stand for extended periods while delivering demonstrations and workshops.

Lifting and Carrying:

Ability to use hands for fine manual tasks including: threading machines, adjusting settings, changing needles. Ability to lift, carry and move equipment, boxes, and other items, typically up to approximately 20lbs when required.

Environment Requirements:

Regular work in workshop and studio environment containing machines, other specialist textiles equipment. Exposure to moderate levels of noise generated by multiple machines operating simultaneously. Regular interaction with and exposure to: textile materials, dust, wet laboratory environments including dyes, inks, textile chemicals, cleaning agents. Regular work with pneumatic equipment including air compressors and associated tools in accordance with health and safety procedures.