Fabrication Studios Student Technician, Digital Fabrication

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GENERAL PURPOSE

The Fabrication Studios Student Technician supports the day-to-day operation of MICA's Digital Fabrication Studios located in both the Station Building (dFab) and Dolphin Design Center (DDC). Student Technicians provide front-line support to students and faculty using digital fabrication equipment while promoting a safe, welcoming, and collaborative studio environment.

Working alongside the Digital Fabrication Studios Manager, Fabrication Technicians, and Research Technicians, Student Technicians assist with equipment operation, studio organization, basic troubleshooting, and student project development. They are expected to model safe studio practices, maintain equipment and workspaces, and recognize when to seek assistance from senior staff.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide support to students using digital fabrication equipment and software.

• Assist with operation of laser cutters, FFF and resin 3D printers, CNC routers, 3D scanners, and woodshop equipment appropriate to their level of training.

• Work scheduled shifts in either the Station Building (dFab), Dolphin Design Center (DDC), or both.

• Prepare studios for opening and ensure spaces are clean, organized, and secure at the end of each shift.

• Monitor equipment and communicate maintenance needs, damaged equipment, or safety concerns to the Studio Manager or Fabrication Technicians.

• Model and enforce safe studio practices and Digital Fabrication Studios policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome students and provide basic assistance with digital fabrication workflows and equipment.

• Answer questions related to software, materials, fabrication processes, and studio procedures within the scope of assigned training.

• Monitor safe operation of studio equipment and reinforce Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) policies.

• Escalate technical issues, equipment failures, or unsafe situations to the Studio Manager or Fabrication Technicians.

• Perform opening and closing procedures for assigned studios, including setup, cleanup, and equipment inspections.

• Clean, organize, and maintain shared workspaces, tools, and fabrication equipment.

• Assist with routine maintenance such as laser cleaning, printer upkeep, material organization, and shop housekeeping.

• Support fabrication consultations and scheduled appointments as directed by staff.

• Work collaboratively with fellow Student Technicians, Research Technicians, and full-time staff to provide consistent support across both fabrication studios.

• Demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and the ability to recognize personal knowledge limits while seeking guidance when appropriate.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently while knowing when to seek assistance.

• Interest in digital fabrication, making, and interdisciplinary studio practice.

• Basic knowledge of one or more digital fabrication workflows including:

  • Laser cutting

  • FFF or resin 3D printing

  • CNC routing

  • 3D scanning

  • CAD/CAM software

• Familiarity with Rhinoceros 3D, Adobe Illustrator, or similar design software.

• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new equipment and workflows.

• Ability to communicate technical information to students with varying experience levels.

• Commitment to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and supportive studio environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current MICA student in good academic standing.

• Previous employment experience preferred (not first job).

• Demonstrated experience operating at least one of the Digital Fabrication Studios' core technologies (laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC router, or equivalent).

• Basic familiarity with CAD software such as Rhinoceros 3D or similar.

• Ability to work independently after training.

• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using Rhinoceros 3D, RhinoCAM, Fusion 360, Illustrator, or comparable software.

• Experience with laser cutters, CNC routers, FFF or resin 3D printers, and/or 3D scanners.

• Experience working in a fabrication lab, makerspace, machine shop, or similar technical environment.

• Woodshop experience and familiarity with common shop equipment.

• Interest in learning equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Demonstrated ability to assist peers with fabrication workflows and software.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be able to work evenings and weekends

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal, but ear protection is required at times.

• Required training: Handbook orientation, Emergency Procedure, Safety Data Sheets, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO), Personal Protection Equipment, Ladder Safety.

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.