31-Oct-2022
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
60472BR
Job Summary
The Director for Design and Fabrication Instruction serves an important role in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment within the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).
As the Director, you will develop the overall strategic vision for the SEAS instructional fabrication shop and surrounding design studios in coordination with SEAS faculty and academic leadership partners. You will develop and execute machining and fabrication curriculum, training and workshops, and will be responsible for staff, space and resource management. You will serve as a key point of contact for shop-related outreach and engagement activities with a variety of stakeholders, including machine shop experts, Harvard alums and industry partners, and you will interact regularly with students, researchers, staff, faculty, and external vendors. This position reports to the Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning and regularly engages with SEAS directors for active learning and other instructional shop managers.
We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate passion for instructing and working with students; training, coaching, mentoring, and sharing their knowledge and expertise in design, fabrication and machining; all within a safe and supportive environment. In alignment with our core values, we seek candidates who actively engage in supporting diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace.
Position Description
Strategic Vision, Programming and Content Development
- Envision and lead the effort for positioning the instructional fabrication shop and the adjacent design studios as key hubs for innovation that engage student participation from engineering, humanities, liberal arts, social/life/applied sciences, health and medicine.
- Partner with SEAS faculty and academic leaders on the creation, promotion and assessment of a diverse range of fabrication workshops and hands-on training activities.
- Establish strong interdisciplinary partnerships with SEAS directors for active learning and other machine shop managers at Harvard in support of a broader fabrication and making ecosystem.
- Identify potential partners of fabrication and machine shop specialists to collaborate on developing and promoting best shop practices and sharing training recommendations and best practices.
- Attend machine shop meetings, conferences, and community events to develop strategic alliances and partnerships with similar programs.
Operations, Safety, Space & Resource Management
- Foster a welcoming, accessible, and collegial environment for design, fabrication machining and making; one that encourages the participation, collaboration, and mutual support of a diverse community of engaged users.
- Advise machine shop users on key principles of problem-solving, idea development, crafting, and design reiteration.
- Lead shop outreach and engagement seminars and educational events for a wide range of learners and stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shop users. Plan and monitor after-hours space access and activities.
- Deliver related safety training and ensure that safe working policies and procedures are implemented and followed within the Instructional Machine Shop.
- Attend monthly safety committee meetings and consult with Harvard Environmental Health & Safety experts (EH&S) to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and OSHA standards.
Financial Management
- Develop the annual machine shop budget and spending vision. Provide guidance on capital investments.
- Create and present detailed budget reports and spending analysis to the Assistant Dean on a semester basis.
- Identify and evaluate equipment needs in consultation with SEAS faculty, Directors for Active Learning and machine shop users.
- Seek and implement cost efficient purchasing practices; monitor inventory and replenishes as needed.
- Communicate with vendors to obtain quotes and prepare purchase requisitions.
- Track equipment maintenance records, hardware warranties, contract expiration dates, related software updates and license renewals.
Staff Management
- Develop team and shop-based growth strategies.
- Directly supervise a machine shop manager as well as future shop hires. Assign work, support skill and career development, provide regular and ongoing performance feedback, handle performance issues, participate in problem resolution, and conduct performance reviews.
- Collaborate with other shop stakeholders on recruiting and supervising shop monitors, mentors, advisors, and student interns.
- Work closely with SEAS human resources on staff recruitment, employee relations, policies, and other human resources related issues.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or an advanced degree in engineering, technology, design, studio-intensive fabrication, or a related field.
- 7+ years of related experience (e.g. STEM, art, design fields).
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Experience with educational content development in a related field.
- Involvement in- or familiarity with instructional machine shop ethos, philosophy and mission.
- Track record of creativity in problem-solving, self-motivation, strong organizational skills and the ability to support multiple, ongoing projects.
- Passion for helping others and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all shop users.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work with people from diverse backgrounds and at all levels is essential for success.
- Experience with staff management and space coordination.
- Strong awareness of lab safety regulations, proper implementation of personal protective equipment, and the safe use of shop equipment, tools and resources.
- High level communication skills with a demonstrated ability to articulate vision in written and oral communication forms and deliver presentations to a variety of stakeholders.
- Experience with manual machine tools, CNC controls, CAD and CAM software. Deep knowledge of Prototrak, MasterCam, and/or Solidworks software is strongly preferred.
- Experience with hot work processes including arc welding, plasma cutting, soldering, brazing, grinding, etc.
- Experience with basic equipment troubleshooting and repair.
- Managerial experience, especially tied to processes. Proficiency with database management and spreadsheets for tracking, organizing and reporting on information. Prior experience with financial and inventory management is a plus.
- Experience managing across multiple tasks and competing priorities; working effectively in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility and the willingness to take on new responsibilities as needed is essential.
Physical Requirements
- May participate in physical tasks which may include occasional lifting, handling and carrying up to 50 pounds; climbing ladders and step stools; pushing/pulling; bending, squatting, and reaching overhead.
- Mobility to travel between different floors in the Science and Engineering building as well as between instructional labs and fabrication facilities around and on-campus as needed
Working Conditions
- The work is performed on-site, Monday through Friday, during regular shop hours.
- Work is performed in an environment where at times the noise level may be moderate to high.
- Safety personal protection equipment (PPM) including ear plugs and noise canceling gear are provided.
- Safety glasses are required of those working, studying or visiting the instructional shop.
Additional Information
- Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
- The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
- This role will be based full-time on campus at our new Science & Engineering Complex in Allston, MA.
- Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including generous paid vacation, sick and personal days, 12.5 paid holidays, and paid winter recess between Christmas and New Years’ Day. $40 tuition per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools, and much, much more. For more details, please visit www.hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards.
- Harvard requires COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
About SEAS
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.
Location
USA – MA – Allston
Job Code
398058 Technical Manager
Department
SEAS Teaching and Learning
Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
SEAS Commitment to Diversity
SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.