Technician - Digital Tools

Join The New School 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

Parsons, Mannes, Jazz, and Drama, a division of The New School, seeks a Full-time Technician in Digital Tools for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines, and supports experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment that runs year-round. The Technician should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. The Technician will interface with students and faculty daily and work with Making Center staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces including the Laser Lab, 3D Lab, CNC Machine Shops, Physical Computing areas, and open work areas. 

This is an administrative position, governed by a Local 1205 Teamsters union contract, that reports to the Managers of Digital Tools.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee daily workings of the Making Center facilities as assigned and maintain a clean and safe working environment. 
• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment and a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff. 
• Support students in their use of various Digital Fabrication tools, including: laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC milling, and digital prototyping.
• Independently output 3d prints, along with CNC milling projects submitted by students, faculty, and staff through our service bureau.
• Work with other Making Center staff on the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, installation, and continuous operation of a variety of hardware/software technologies and stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.

• Assist supervisor and Making Center Leadership with the following:
  • Support faculty and students.
  • Lead demo sessions about various pieces of equipment.
  • Make hardware/software purchases and process recommendations.
  • Create and update web page content.
  • Create and conduct orientations, trainings, and tours.
  • Participate in the onboarding process for new technician staff, through peer-to-peer training and skills sharing.
  • Maintain administrative systems for scheduling, record keeping, inventories, and metrics tracking.

• Provide support for store and tool checkout functions as related to assigned areas.
• Supervise student workers, including training, tracking accountability, and assigning tasks during shifts.

• Become proficient in Web Check Out or current equipment management system within the first 6 months of employment.
• Create clear, accurate, user-friendly technical documentation, signage, and instructions for labs and equipment.
• Assist with facility improvement projects, shows and installations, and special Making Center, program, school, or Parsons-wide initiatives as needed.
• Adapt to changes in the work environment; meet deadlines and anticipate facility and checkout center needs, adjusting approach and prioritizing competing demands. 

• Completion of university-required staff trainings and necessary COF's for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.

• Attend regularly scheduled Making Center staff meetings and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree and 3 years of relevant or professional experience within the industry.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong ability to assist students working in an interdisciplinary and/or experimental manner from concept to fabrication.
• Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.
• Experience with various production and digital fabrication techniques; be familiar with practices related to current design and art practice - including fabrication, methodology, and processes; experience and knowledge of working with a wide variety of materials.
• Strong technical knowledge of additive and subtractive fabrication workflows including, but not limited to, setup, protocols, maintenance, and output, and experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting equipment/tools as relevant to the position.
• Ability to work safely with, and demonstrate proper use of digital fabrication tools including laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers/mills.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM modeling/machining languages and 2D and 3D software such as Rhino, Solidworks, Maya, Fusion360, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Google Drive, and an understanding of working in a cross-platform (Windows and macOS) environment.
• A desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.
• Become proficient in Web Check Out or current equipment management system within the first 6 months of employment.
• Ability to handle objects weighing up to 25 lbs and, on occasion, may be expected to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with any of the following: woodworking, metalworking, furniture making, millwork, architectural or art installations, vacuum forming, ceramics, casting, finishes, plastics, foams, textiles, and fabrics.
• Knowledge of Webcheckout or comparable equipment management systems. 
• Experience with large-scale hardware and software deployments.
• Experience with mesh repair, rendering tools, and other advanced 3D modeling and finishing processes.
• Experience designing for and operating analog machining equipment.
• Understanding of and experience working with electronics, physical computing, and technology design and their applications associated with the operation and maintenance of fabrication equipment and systems.
• Experience with digital media hardware associated with 3D design for both on-screen and physical applications including 3D scanning, motion capture, VR/AR, and other related input/output devices.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$28.52 per hour/$51,906.40 per annum 

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Please submit a resume and cover letter in your application.