Research Technician, Digital Fabrication Studios

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General purpose: The Digital Fabrication Research Technician assists with the general operations of the Digital Fabrication Studios; supports fall and spring instruction and student homework access to the Digital Fabrication Studios following campus protocols; supports research in the studio; and has access to the facility to pursue individual research outside of work hours.

Summary of Essential Functions

• Assist with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Digital Fabrication Studios, ensuring that all equipment operates effectively and safely, and supplies are stocked and available.
• Assist with supervising student homework access to the Digital Fabrication Studios
• Serve as an educational resource and support Undergraduate and Graduate students regarding related processes of the Digital Fabrication Studios. 

• Provide assistance to the Digital Fabrication Studio Manager. 


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist with maintaining Environmental Health and Safety compliance, conducting EHS training for MICA employees working in the Academic Services Fabrication Studios, maintaining required EHS documentation, enforcing EHS policies, modeling safe studio practices, and generally ensuring safety
• Provide technical support to students in the Digital Fabrication Studio

• Assist with monitoring and maintaining equipment in the Digital Fabrication Studio
• Enforce studio policies and demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes in the Digital Fabrication Studio
• Provide assistance and guidance to any  Digital Fabrication Studio student workers (student technicians and/or work-study)
• Contribute to tutorials for processes and techniques used in the  Digital Fabrication Studio
• Help maintain supplies for the Digital Fabrication Studio by communicating with the Studio Manager
• Share research to enhance the Digital Fabrication Studio and classes held therein.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical working experience with laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC Milling
• Knowledge of 3D software for computer aided design, and computer aided machining
• Practical working experience with woodworking processes and techniques

• Good mechanical sensibility 

• Ability to assess and trouble-shoot digital fabrication equipment 

• Strong organizational skills 

• Ability to collaborate with students and faculty 

• Good communication skills

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor, Fine Art or a four-year degree with experience working in a digital fabrication studio
• 1+ years’ experience working with 3D modeling and CAM software
• 1+ years’ experience operating 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC mills/routers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working with the Adobe suite
• 2+ years’ experience working with 3D modeling and CAM software
• 2+ years’ experience operating and maintaining 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC mills/routers
• 1+ years’ experience working as a technician in a digital fabrication studio, preferably in an academic environment
• Experience working with Universal Laser Cutters, Prusa, Lulzbot and Formlabs 3d printers, and CNC routers
• Skills in Fusion360, Rhino, RhinoCAM, and Grasshopper
• Experience with 3D scanning and photogrammetry
• Knowledge of electronics and experience working with microcontrollers
• Strong portfolio, website preferred

Reporting to this position:

• No direct reports

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidate must successfully complete a full background check
• Required to work evenings and weekends

Applicant Instructions:

Submit PDF document to include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (1 page single spaced, 12pt) – qualifications, experience, what interests you about this position?
• Portfolio of Related Work – website (preferred) or PDF at reasonable resolution. Images should include descriptions about the project.

Please format the PDF document for screen resolution and viewing.  No physical media are requested nor will be returned.

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. but ear protection may be required at times.
• Required training: Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, COVID – 19 Cleaning and Personal Protection Equipment.

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.