Co-Lab Professional Fabrication & Design Specialist

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Work Arrangement:
On-Site

Requisition Number: 272190

Regular or Temporary:
Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date:
Jul 14, 2026

Co-Lab Professional Fabrication & Design Specialist

Be You.

The Innovation Co-Lab is looking for a Co-Lab Professional Fabrication & Design Specialist to join our team in the Office of Information Technology (OIT). This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Innovation Co-Lab’s Bluesmith and Design Hub team in support of the design and fabrication needs of the whole Duke community.

In this in-person role you will be the primary point of contact for all aspects of the Bluesmith and Design Hub program from initial consult to final project delivery. You will collaborate closely with students, faculty, and staff to bring their ideas to life, and support the development of special projects.

Bachelor's degree in a creative field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Positive attitude and ability to adapt to changing requirements and environment

Hands-on problem-solving skills

Experience with creating 3D models using CAD software

Experience with 3D printing (SLA, MJP, SLS, Poly Jet, FDM)

Proven record of managing design and fabrication workflows from start to finish

Passion for teaching others about making and designing

Eager and willing to learn and apply new concepts

Comfort presenting services to new users/customers

Proven ability to work successfully in both team and individual situations

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Passion for supporting experimentation and creation

Ability to lift at least 30 lbs

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced experience with creating 3D models using CAD software

Interest in the intersection between 3D printing and research

Advanced experience with 3D printing (SLA, MJP, SLS, Poly Jet, FDM, PBJ)

Advanced fabrication and design skills

Experience running an academic service center

Sales and lead generation experience

Work Location:

This is an in-person role

Be Bold.

Service Center Management:

Responsible for the maintenance and operation of OIT’s professional digital modeling and fabrication facilities and services, ie. Bluesmith and Design Hub.

Maintenance and management of a fleet of high-end 3d printing and fabrication systems

Maintenance of inventory of supported resins, filaments, powders, and other consumables

Maintain expert level knowledge of relevant technologies, vendors, and business trends

Evaluate new and emerging technologies and, where appropriate, develop operational policies and services to support broad access

Ownership of financial processes and documentation

Plan for the growth and maturation of the service center with the goal of broadened access to relevant communities at Duke with special attention on supporting and generating leads for more grant-funded research efforts

Leadership and training of student employees that support these services

Fabrication and Training:

Develop and conduct design training workshops for the Duke community

Assist with promotion of the Co-Lab's capabilities through demonstrations, events, social media, and technical presentations

Serve as a technical consultant to faculty and other members of the Duke community on technical hurdles outside their field of expertise

Mentoring Co-Lab Grant projects, and other programming designed to broaden access and remove barriers to technology education and experimentation.

Fabricating special projects to support the Innovation Co-Lab’s goals and mission

Cultivate relationships and partnerships across campus to help continue to identify gaps in services and equipment offerings.

Along with leadership, provide continued strategic direction around the Bluesmith Service Model, through regular outreach to users and stakeholders

Choose Duke.

The Innovation Co-Lab is a creativity incubator embedded within Duke’s Office of Information Technology. We empower students, faculty, and staff to explore emerging technologies and bring their ideas to life. Our team is passionate about responsible innovation, inclusive education, and building projects that make a difference.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard.

All members of our community have a…