London, UK
Robotic fabrication technician
at Architectural Association School of Architecture
The Architectural Association has an opportunity for a robotic fabrication technician to join its team in London.
Job title: robotic fabrication technician
Salary: depending on experience
Contract type: fixed-term – one year
Department: digital prototyping lab
Reports to: head of DPL
Hours: full-time; Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm
The Architectural Association was founded in 1847, opening as a day school in 1901. The AA is committed to public benefit attained by the learning, teaching, discussion and promotion of architecture. With circa 750 students and 300 academic and administrative staff the AA School is central to the AA. The School is recognised as a worldwide leader in architectural education, with graduates that include many of the world’s leading architects, scholars, critics and educators. The academic and professional programmes of study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, up to and including doctoral level, are validated by external professional and academic bodies.
The AA is made up of countless projects, personalities and audiences. The AA is unique in that we are more than just a school but a worldwide association, made up of members and visitors and an unrivalled public programme of lectures, exhibitions, publications and special events, all of which set the backdrop for full-time foundation, undergraduate – and graduate-level study at our campuses in London and Dorset. In addition, each year short courses and global schools in the AA Visiting School bring together students and teachers in more than 50 locations across five continents. Whether at Bedford Square or abroad the AA’s teachers and staff provide students with expertise, encouragement and support across all levels of education. Given the fact that 85 per cent of our students (and a similar percentage of tutors) come to London from abroad every autumn, we really are a school unlike any other.
Role overview
The Digital Prototyping Lab (DPL) is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join the team and become an integral part of the AA’s digital fabrication facility.
With a major upgrade just completed, the DPL now has a custom-built robotics cell, which houses two KUKA robotic arms for use in architectural education. The role of the robotic fabrication technician will be to provide crucial expertise in robotics by teaching, supporting and developing student projects. This role also means working closely with DPL staff to maintain the smooth running of the lab, including the supervision and teaching of students using laser cutting, CNC milling and various 3D printing technologies.
The robotic fabrication technician will report to the head of digital prototyping and collaborate with DPL staff and student assistants.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- manage and run the DPL Robotics facility
- operate and teach students how to use the equipment: KUKA KR-60 & KR-30
- develop and experiment with new end-effectors/tooling for the robotic arms
- develop and teach in DPL workshops across the school year
- teach and instruct DPL student assistants within the lab
- provide tutorials to students on the different technologies the lab has to offer
- supervise the safe operation by students of all DPL equipment
- help manage and operate staff run DPL equipment: including CNC, resin and SLS 3D printers.
- help in the general maintenance and upkeep of the DPL
Person specification
Knowledge, skills and experience:
- experience in robotic fabrication including the ability to develop custom scripts (python or C-sharp) and the creation of different end-effector tools (Ardunio/Raspberry Pi)
- experience with operating KUKA robotic arms and its training modulus (not mandatory but preferred)
- advanced knowledge of Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper software
- excellent communication skills with experience supervising students in a higher education environment
- excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- previous teaching experience (not mandatory, but preferred)
- good use of Magics software
- experience in the operation and file preparation of laser-cutters, 3-axis CNC machines and different 3D printing technologies, including resin and SLS printing (not mandatory, but preferred)
- knowledge of various machine maintenance
How to apply
Please apply by email by the closing date of 7 October 2018 using the ‘apply’ link below.
Please include in your application:
- full CV
- covering letter/email highlighting why you feel you are the right person for the role
- current salary
- notice period
- contact details for two referees (who will not be contacted without your prior permission)
Invitations to first interview will be issued by email after the closing date. Please note only successful candidates will be contacted.
Thank you for your interest in the AA and this role.
The Architectural Association School of Architecture aims to create conditions that ensure staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of their gender, race, religious/political beliefs, ethnic or national origin, disability, family background, age, sexual orientation, or other irrelevant distinction.