Seattle University

Fabrication Studio Technician

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Market Reference Range (MRR): 8

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: On-site

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

The Fabrication Studio Technician oversees daily operations in the multidisciplinary 6,600-square-foot Jon and Mary Shirley Fabrication Studio at Seattle University, supporting students, faculty, staff, and visiting artists working across sculpture, installation, and design. The Fabrication Studio includes dedicated areas and equipment for woodworking, sandblasting, metalworking, ceramics, casting, and digital fabrication, including industrial laser cutters, 3D printing, and CNC routers.

Key responsibilities include equipment, tool, and materials purchasing and maintenance using an assigned purchasing card, budget tracking, delivering safety training and maintaining written safety procedures, supervising student workers, and coordinating scheduling with academic departments to support both coursework and independent student work. The Technician ensures a safe, clean, supportive, and productive community studio environment, fosters a culture of best practices in fabrication safety, and provides technical and fabrication support for installation projects in college art galleries, classrooms, and visual arts spaces.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Studio Operations and Safety Supervision

• Monitor lab usage and maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free environment.
• Deliver safety training and demonstrations on all fabrication tools and materials.
• Maintain documentation including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), safety signage, purchase orders, tool reservations, and consumable supplies inventory.
• Track tool and process authorizations and ensure every individual’s compliance with safety protocols.
• Promote and model best practices in studio safety and foster a welcoming, inclusive maker environment.
• Cleaning and care of entire fabrication studio including specialty vendor coordination, dust collection system, and janitorial responsibilities.

Instructional and Technical Support

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to support class assignments and open studio time.
• Provide technical assistance and in-the-moment demonstrations to students using equipment such as table saws, band saws, laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers, welding systems, and casting materials.
• Serve as a resource for project planning, fabrication strategy, and tool/material selection for students, faculty, and staff.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance

• Monitor studio inventory; order tools, materials, and consumables using an assigned purchasing card.
• Track and document budget expenditures and material usage.
• Perform and document regular maintenance on machinery and tools.
• Coordinate service and repairs for specialized equipment.
• Maintain tool library and oversee appropriate storage and labeling of hazardous materials.

Student Employee Supervision and Mentorship

• Hire, train, and schedule student employees to support lab operations.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and ensure adherence to safety and operational policies.
• Support student employee development through technical skill-building and leadership opportunities.

Administrative Support and Campus Engagement

• Coordinate lab schedules in collaboration with academic departments and campus services.
• Support exhibitions and installations including BFA shows and other events.
• Communicate operational needs and updates with the Manager and Operations teams.
• Engage in professional development opportunities, both as recommended by supervisors and through self-initiated learning to support growth and performance.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two years of experience in fabrication studio environments.
• Technical proficiency in at least two of the following areas, with working knowledge across others:
  • Woodshop: table saw, jointer, planer, bandsaw, routers, sanders, etc.
  • Metal shop: MIG/TIG welding, plasma cutter, grinders, shears, etc.
  • Digital fabrication: laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers.
  • Ceramics/plaster: casting, mold making, ceramic firing, use of resins and silicone.
• Demonstrated experience delivering safety instruction and mentoring users.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in environments involving noise, dust, and vibration.
• Proficiency with digital tools: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Cura, and Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in an educational or makerspace environment.
• Advanced degree in Art, Design, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience using AutoCAD or other 3D modeling software.
• Familiarity with higher education environments, student-centered learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience with budget tracking, purchase management, and inventory management.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand for extended periods and lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to chemicals, machine noise, particulate matter, and mechanical tools.
• Work may require flexible scheduling, including some nights and weekends.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $58,400

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.

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