Research Technician, Digital Fabrication Studios

Maryland Institute College of Art•Baltimore, MD

35d•Onsite

About The Position

The Digital Fabrication Research Technician assists with the day-to-day operation of MICA's Digital Fabrication Studios. This role supports instruction, supervised student access, equipment maintenance, creative and technical research, and the safe operation of digital fabrication technologies. Technicians are also encouraged to pursue individual creative research using studio resources.

Requirements

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 routers, and 3D printers.
Demonstrated ability to support users with varying levels of technical experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced experience with Rhino, RhinoCAM, and Grasshopper.
Experience with Adobe Illustrator as part of digital fabrication workflows.
2+ years of experience operating and maintaining laser cutters, CNC routers, and 3D printers in a studio or makerspace environment.
Experience operating and maintaining Universal Laser Systems, Prusa and Formlabs 3D printers, CNC routers, and related digital fabrication equipment.
Experience with 3D scanning and photogrammetry.
Experience working as a technician in an academic fabrication studio, makerspace, or similar educational environment.
Experience developing studio documentation, tutorials, technical workflows, or instructional materials.
Demonstrated interest in fabrication research, prototyping, process development, or creative experimentation.
Knowledge of electronics and experience working with microcontrollers.
Strong portfolio or professional website demonstrating relevant digital fabrication, design, or fabrication work.

Responsibilities

Assist with the daily operation of the Digital Fabrication Studios.
Provide technical and instructional support to students with CAD modeling, digital file preparation, fabrication workflows, and the operation of digital fabrication equipment.
Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot studio equipment.
Maintain Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance.
Demonstrate and enforce the safe and appropriate use of studio equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes.
Supervise student homework access and open studio hours, provide guidance to student employees, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and educational studio environment.
Contribute to the development of studio documentation, tutorials, workflows, and research.
Assist with inventory management and communicate supply and maintenance needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.