Lab Technician - Interior Design

Lab Technician - Interior Design Classification: Academic Affairs Reports To: Dean of School of Architecture and Design About the American International University American International University (AIU) is a private institution in Kuwait, founded in 2019, offering undergraduate programs in Engineering and Computing, Architecture and Design, Business, Arts and Sciences, and Education. The programs are delivered in English and follow the American model of higher education. AIU serves a community of more than 4,000 students and is implementing the RISE Strategy 2026–2030, a five-year institutional transformation strategy focused on research development, international accreditation, student success, employability, and community engagement. For more information, visit: www.aiu.edu.kw Position Overview The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical expertise and practical experience in interior design fabrication, modelmaking, and digital manufacturing technologies. The candidate will support the professional Interior Design curriculum by providing hands-on technical instruction, laboratory supervision, and guidance to students in the use of specialized equipment and fabrication tools. The successful candidate should thrive in a small, student-centered academic environment that emphasizes individualized attention, practical learning, and student mentoring. The candidate is also expected to contribute to undergraduate program development, curriculum enhancement, student mentoring, and innovative, entrepreneurial initiatives. We welcome applicants who bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich the academic environment and contribute to an inclusive faculty community. Key Responsibilities - Operate, maintain, and oversee laboratory equipment, including laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC machines, and other digital fabrication and modelmaking tools. - Provide technical guidance, hands-on assistance, and supervision to students using the laboratory for coursework, assignments, and individual or group projects. - Support faculty members in preparing and delivering laboratory demonstrations, practical sessions, project setups, and fabrication-related assignments. - Assist students in translating design concepts into physical models and prototypes using appropriate fabrication techniques and technologies. - Review students' digital designs and assess their compatibility with equipment specifications, material requirements, and machine settings. - Manage laboratory inventory, procure and prepare materials, and ensure the availability of necessary tools and supplies. - Monitor compliance with laboratory health and safety procedures and ensure that students follow established safety protocols when operating equipment. - Perform routine equipment maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and minor repairs, and coordinate external servicing when required. - Develop and manage daily and weekly equipment usage and 3D printing schedules to ensure efficient laboratory operations. - During non-peak laboratory periods, organize and conduct workshops for AIU students and visiting high school students, contribute to Professional Development (PD) Day activities, and support other university initiatives. - Oversee general laboratory administration, including scheduling, organization, cleanliness, equipment upkeep, and operational readiness. - Collaborate with faculty and academic staff to continuously improve laboratory facilities, practical learning experiences, and technical resources. Qualifications and Requirements - Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related discipline. - Extensive practical experience in 3D modelmaking, prototyping, and digital fabrication techniques. - Demonstrated hands-on experience operating and managing 3D printers, CNC milling machines, laser cutting machines, and pattern-cutting tables. - Ability to prepare, load, and unload materials and components, operate fabrication equipment, inspect finished parts, take measurements, and make necessary dimensional adjustments. - Strong understanding of 3D printing processes, including file preparation, printer settings, material selection, calibration, and troubleshooting. - Ability to evaluate and prepare students' digital designs to ensure compatibility with 3D printing and other fabrication technologies. - Experience developing and managing daily and weekly production and printing schedules. - Comprehensive knowledge of equipment operating procedures, technical specifications, maintenance requirements, and safety features. - Ability to calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory machinery and coordinate technical servicing when necessary. - Experience supervising equipment operations and ensuring the safe and efficient use of laboratory facilities. - Proficiency in relevant design and modelling applications, including AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Revit, and SketchUp. Technical Skills - Laser Cutting Machines - CNC Milling and Lathe Machines - 3D Printing Technologies - Pattern Cutting Tables - Hot Wire Foam Cutters - Modular Router Tables - Digital Fabrication and 3D Modelmaking - AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Revit, and SketchUp Professional Competencies - Strong organizational, planning, and laboratory management skills. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to guide and support students and faculty. - Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary academic team and remain open to new ideas and approaches. - Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. - Flexible, dependable, and able to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities. - Willingness to continuously update technical knowledge and develop new skills in emerging fabrication technologies. - Ability and willingness to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including helmets, respirators, heat-resistant protective equipment, and other required safety gear for extended periods when necessary. - Fluency in written and spoken English. How to Apply - Interested candidates should visit the Job Opportunities section on our website and submit a resume and cover letter via: https://aiu.edu.kw/careers/jobs - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The successful candidate is expected to commence employment immediately.