Research Technician, Digital Fabrication Studios

Research Technician – Digital Fabrication Department

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• FLSA Status:
  Non‑Exempt
• Reports to:
  
  Studio Manager, Digital Fabrication
• Work Schedule:
  
  Part‑time, 15‑20 hours per week, including regular business hours, evenings, and weekends
• Compensation: $20.22 – $24.73 per hour, based on experience and internal equity

The Digital Fabrication Research Technician assists with the day‑to‑day operation of MICA's Digital Fabrication Studios located in the Mt. Royal Station Building and Dolphin Design Center. The position supports instruction, supervised student access, equipment maintenance, creative and technical research, and the safe operation of digital fabrication technologies. Research Technicians are also encouraged to pursue individual creative research using studio resources outside scheduled work hours, in accordance with studio policies and availability.

Assist with the day‑to‑day operation, maintenance, and organization of the Digital Fabrication Studios across multiple campus locations; support undergraduate and graduate instruction, supervised student homework access, and open studio hours; serve as an educational resource by assisting students with digital design, CAD/CAM workflows, file preparation, fabrication processes, and troubleshooting; maintain safe operation of studio equipment and enforce studio policies and Environmental Health & Safety procedures;

assist the Studio Manager with research, equipment evaluation, documentation, and special projects.

• Assist with the daily operation of the Digital Fabrication Studios in the Mt. Royal Station Building and Dolphin Design Center.
• Provide technical and instructional support to students by assisting with CAD modeling, digital file preparation, fabrication workflows, and the operation of digital fabrication equipment including laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, and 3D scanning technologies.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot studio equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and effective operation.
• Maintain Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance by conducting required training, maintaining documentation, enforcing studio policies, modeling safe practices, and promoting a safe working environment.
• Demonstrate and enforce the safe and appropriate use of studio equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes.
• Assist with supervising student homework access and open studio hours, provide guidance to student employees, and help foster a welcoming, inclusive, and educational studio environment.
• Contribute to the development of studio documentation, tutorials, workflows, and research that support Digital Fabrication Studio operations and instruction.
• Assist with inventory management and communicate supply and maintenance needs to the Studio Manager.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Strong working knowledge of Rhino and other CAD/CAM software.
• Practical experience with digital fabrication technologies and workflows, including laser cutting, CNC routing, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and 3D scanning.
• Practical working experience with woodworking processes and techniques.
• Good mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot fabrication equipment and digital workflows.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to students, faculty, and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and inclusive studio environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 1+ years of experience using Rhino or comparable CAD software.
• 1+ years of experience preparing files for digital fabrication workflows.
• 1+ years of experience operating laser cutters, CNC…