Digital Fabrication Lead

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The Earth Build Project Ltd is an innovative co‑operative dedicated to developing a zero‑carbon, sustainable construction method which combines cutting‑edge 3D printing technology with an ancient building material, earth. Using a mix of excavated earth, organic fibre and other biomaterials the organisation aims to develop the UK's first 3D‑printed earthen wall system, redefining construction for a greener future.

Contract Type: Fixed‑term (6 months)

Contract Period: April–September 2026

Location: On‑site, Pilsgate Farm, Stamford, UK

Reporting to: Board of Directors

Salary: £46,500 pa, commensurate with experience

Start Date: April 2026 (with pre‑start planning and design coordination as required)

Applications Close: 10th January 2026

Application Process: Please send CV and email detailing your relevant experience for the role, to

The Digital Fabrication Lead will co‑lead the on‑site development and operation of a large‑scale robotic 3D printing system for the Earth Build Project, with the primary objective of fabricating experimental wall assemblies and test structures using earthen and bio‑based materials.

This role is central to the Earth Build Project’s research‑to‑prototype programme
, that will culminate in the construction of an at‑scale prototype building. It requires a practitioner with hands‑on robotic fabrication expertise
, computational design fluency
, and construction‑scale thinking
, alongside the ability to lead teams and workflows in a live test‑site environment.

By drawing on prior experience leading experimental fabrication projects, supervising students and research staff, and delivering built prototypes, the successful applicant should be able to establish robust, repeatable fabrication processes under evolving material, robotic, and site constraints.

• Lead the on‑site setup, calibration, operation and maintenance of a large‑scale robotic fabrication system, including the IMER Mighty Small 50 Plus pump and associated extrusion hardware.
• Develop, test and refine toolpaths, deposition strategies and print parameters for earthen and clay‑based materials, including fibre‑reinforced and bio‑material variants as defined through ongoing research.
• Translate digital design intent into reliable robotic workflows using Rhino and Grasshopper, applying parametric and computational design methods to enable rapid iteration and controlled experimentation.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, computational and material‑related issues during live fabrication, drawing on experience in experimental and uncertain fabrication environments.

• Work closely with material researchers to develop material mixes that are both extrudable and retain their intended shape once printed, ensuring constructability and process stability.
• Iteratively test and evaluate wall build‑ups for:
  • Structural logic and geometric stability
  • Drying and curing behaviour
  • Fabrication tolerances and repeatability
• Work collaboratively to establish clear documentation protocols, recording:
  • Fabrication parameters
  • Material performance
  • Workflow decisions and lessons learned
• Act as the on‑site Digital Fabrication Lead, providing calm, technically‑grounded leadership during live fabrication phases.
• Supervise, mentor and train project staff, research assistants and students in:
  • Robotic fabrication workflows
  • Material handling and testing procedures
• Coordinate daily fabrication schedules in consultation with on‑site project leaders, contribute to risk assessments and ensure adherence to site‑based health and safety practices.

• Contribute to the planning and execution of requisite test samples and a full‑scale prototype building
  , including sequencing and fabrication logic, on‑site logistics and integration, and coordination between design, materials and construction workflows.
• Support post‑construction evaluation, analysis and reporting, feeding outcomes back into both research outputs and practical recommendations.

This role…