Philadelphia, USA
ARI robotics lab technician
at University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania is seeking an ARI robotics lab technician to join its faculty in Philadelphia, USA.
Position summary
The ARI robotics lab is an exciting new robotic fabrication facility in the Weitzman School of Design comprising of industrial robots and auto tool-changing infrastructure to support diverse fabrication activities within Weitzman School courses and faculty research. The full-time technician will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the lab, operating and maintaining robotic equipment and fabrication tasks that will require frequent re-configuration and attention throughout each day. As a school facility, supervision and support of student and faculty research activities is a key aspect of the position, along with supporting activities such as maintaining a booking schedule and material supplies and coordinating part-time support staff. The technician will receive, modify, prepare, and process student and faculty digital files prior to the undertaking of manufacturing tasks. Drawing on extensive experience using, and programming industrial robots and associated software is preferred, although other fabrication and equipment experience is also valuable to the role. Excellent communication and team-work skills are essential as the role requires supporting students and faculty in addition to collaborating with other technicians in the facility and managing part-time technicians’ activities.
The role also permits participation in teaching and research activities where approved by the supervisor.
Duties of ARI lab manager:
- support student course-work and faculty research activities in the ARI Robotics Lab, including the set-up, operation, and clean-up of robot lab tasks and support with file- preparation
- manage the day-to-day operations and calendar schedule of the ARI Robotics Lab, including operation of robots, routine maintenance, health & safety policies, the research and preparation of material purchase requests, material supply quotas, material and tool storage and replacement parts, cleaning schedules, etc.
- open, close and supervise operations in the lab throughout the day, ensuring only students in approved courses and budgets are utilizing the lab following a safety induction
- prepare policy, operational, and instruction documents such as safety induction materials, robot task documents, EHRS activity statements, and others, and prepare and undertake presentations on these when required
- develop and test software and hardware routines in the lab to improve the efficiency and safety of manufacturing tasks
- expand the methods, work-cell setups, tooling, I/O and other capabilities within the lab. Scope agreed in coordination meetings with supervisors
- digital file management – maintain a secure Box file structure with current working files for all operations in the lab only accessible to ARI robotics lab staff. Also maintain a second Box folder with individual folders shared temporarily with student/faculty class participants
- maintain research and awareness of new robotics labs and their management, suggest equipment acquisitions and improvements to robot manufacturing, lab planning and operations activities
- collaborate with other ARI Robotics lab staff, sharing knowledge and undertaking joint activities, and in continuously upgrading the lab’s equipment and capabilities
- operate under the supervision of Karl Wellman and Robert Stuart-Smith, participate in coordination meetings, seek their approval for strategic decisions, and immediately report any serious issue such as: an injury, theft, unauthorized entry, damage to equipment, faulty operation of equipment, safety, security or MEP systems etc.
- ensure the lab is always clean and professionally presentable, especially in advance of major events
Please submit a cover letter, resume and short list of references.
If interested, please apply here.

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