Digital Fabrication Specialist

VCUarts Qatar is seeking a knowledgeable and innovative Digital Fabrication Specialist to support and enhance the use of digital fabrication tools, technologies, and methodologies in teaching, learning, and research across all academic departments. This position plays a central role in fostering a creative, collaborative, and safe environment within the Digital Fabrication Studio, serving as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and research teams.

Reporting to the Digital Fabrication Coordinator, the Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the studio—including equipment maintenance, scheduling, inventory management, and hands-on technical support. The role also delivers instructional support through workshops, equipment demonstrations, software tutorials, and individualized consultations, contributing directly to curricular and research-based initiatives.

In addition to operational duties, the Digital Fabrication Specialist actively contributes to the strategic growth of the studio, engaging in space planning, branding, and the integration of emerging fabrication technologies. This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about digital making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting innovation in art and design education. This is a 10-month full time position and generous benefits are available.

Reports to: Digital Design & Fabrication Coordinator

Department: Digital Design & Fabrication

Major Activities & Essential Functions

• Provides instructional, technical, and operational support for the Digital Fabrication Studio, while designing and delivering hands-on training sessions, software and equipment workshops, and demos for individuals, groups, and institutional events.
• Develops and maintains instructional tutorials, equipment documentation, and certification assessments, and conducts individual consultations for student projects, faculty research, and interdisciplinary collaborations with attention to pedagogy, safety, and technical feasibility.
• Supports faculty in integrating digital fabrication into curriculum development and research design, while managing daily studio operations such as equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, inventory control, and organization of all physical studio spaces.
• Oversees studio access and monitors class and student activity to ensure safety protocol adherence, while coordinating student-led CNC projects and advanced equipment usage.
• Assembles, tests, and documents new equipment and software integrations, and develops operational protocols including maintenance schedules and instructional safety procedures.
• Manages digital systems for scheduling, booking, and tool checkout (in collaboration with the Wood Shop Specialist), while also tracking usage infractions and maintaining operational efficiency.
• Collaborates with the Head of DDF on website updates, resource management, and internal communications, and contributes to strategic planning for studio branding, space design, and functional improvements.
• Monitors, evaluates, and recommends new digital fabrication technologies for instructional and research integration, while serving as a consultant to faculty on fabrication pedagogy and instructional design.
• Participates in institutional planning and cross-campus initiatives that expand the impact of digital fabrication in teaching, research, and creative practice.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in mention Fine Arts / Design with a focus in Industrial design, Interaction Design, Furniture Design, Interior Design, Sculpture, or other related fields
• Specialized knowledge in the following is required:
  • Adobe Suite, Rhino, CAD software, CAM software, slicer software, mesh repair software
  • Proficiency using 3D Printers (FDM, SLS, SLA, LDM): file development, editing, and export; mechanics of filament change; hotend cleaning; extrusion/purge and bed calibration techniques
  • Proficiency using Laser Cutters: Vector and Raster file development, editing, and export; lens maintenance and bed calibration; advanced techniques (vector engraving, rotary engraving, color mapping)
  • Proficiency using plotters (vinyl, pen, embossing)
  • Proficiency in adhesive and heat transfer vinyl (kiss-cut, weeding, application, installation)
  • Experience with ceramics (throwing, firing, glazing) preferred
  • Experience in media (photography, video) preferred
  • High fluency in material study (laserables, wood based, plastic based, ceramic, bio)
• Portfolio with evidenced prototyping and making

Skills & Experience

• Excellent time management skills, ability to multitask and prioritize daily and long-term projects that meet with deadlines set by DDF coordinator
• Excellent organizational skills with regards to shared spaces, tool location, storage, and consumables
• Willingness to work within a cooperative structure: working in a team, being proactive, participating in team led initiatives
• Positive attitude and desire to be in a customer service-oriented environment
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCUarts Qatar.

Application Process