Full-time Technician, Digital Tools

The New School

32d • $27 • Onsite

About The Position

Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks a Full-time Technician in Digital Tools for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines, and supports experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment that runs year-round. The Technician should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. The Technician will interface with students and faculty daily and work with Making Center staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces including the Laser Lab, 3D Lab, CNC Machine Shops, Physical Computing areas, and open work areas. This is an administrative position, governed by a Local 1205 Teamsters union contract, that reports to the Managers of Digital Tools.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years relevant or professional experience within the industry.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong ability to assist students working in an interdisciplinary and/or experimental manner from concept to fabrication.
• Experience working with various production and digital fabrication techniques and a wide variety of materials.
• Familiarity with current art and design practices related to fabrication, methodology, and processes, and a desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.
• Strong technical knowledge of additive and subtractive fabrication workflows, including but not limited to: setup, protocols, maintenance, and output, with experience in maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting of equipment/tools relevant to the position.
• Ability to work safely with, and demonstrate proper use of digital fabrication tools including laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers/mills.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM modeling/machining languages, 2D and 3D software such as Rhino, Solidworks, Maya, Fusion360, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Google Drive, and an understanding of working in a cross-platform (Windows and macOS) environment.
• A desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.
• Become proficient in Web Check Out or current equipment management system within the first 6 months of employment.
• Ability to handle objects weighing up to 25 lbs and on occasion may be expected to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with any of the following: woodworking, metalworking, furniture making, millwork, architectural or art installations, vacuum forming, ceramics, casting, finishes, plastics, foams, textiles, and fabrics.
• Knowledge of Webcheckout or comparable equipment management systems.
• Experience with large-scale hardware and software deployments.
• Experience with mesh repair, rendering tools, and other advanced 3D modeling and finishing processes.
• Experience designing for and operating analog machining equipment.
• Understanding of and experience working with electronics, physical computing, and technology design and their applications associated with the operation and maintenance of fabrication equipment and systems.
• Experience with digital media hardware associated with 3D design for both on-screen and physical applications including 3D scanning, motion capture, VR/AR, and other related input/output devices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily workings of the Making Center facilities as assigned and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment and a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
• Work with other Making Center staff on the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, installation, and continuous operation of a variety of hardware/software technologies and stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.
• Assist supervisor and Making Center Leadership with the following: Support faculty and students. Lead demo sessions about various pieces of equipment. Make hardware/software purchase and process recommendations. Create and update web page content. Create and conduct orientations, trainings, and tours.
• Participate in the onboarding process for new technician staff, through peer-to-peer training and skills sharing.
• Maintain administrative systems for scheduling, record keeping, inventories, and metrics tracking.
• Provide support for store and tool checkout functions as related to assigned areas.
• Supervise student workers, including training, tracking accountability, and assigning tasks during shifts.
• Become proficient in Web Check Out or current equipment management systems within the first 6 months of employment.
• Create clear, accurate, user-friendly technical documentation, signage, and instructions for labs and equipment.
• Assist with facility improvement projects, shows and installations, and special Making Center, program, school, or Parsons-wide initiatives as needed.
• Adapt to changes in the work environment; meet deadlines and anticipate facility and checkout center needs, adjusting approach and prioritizing competing demands.
• Completion of university-required staff trainings and necessary COF's for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.
• Attend regularly scheduled Making Center staff meetings and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Wellness Retirement plan administered by TIAA Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
• Work-Life Balance Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Professional Growth Career advancement and professional development opportunities Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
• Additional Perks Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level