Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Prototyping and Lab Specialist to join a senior role in our academic support team within the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) program. This role oversees the laboratory component of the graduate students through hands-on projects and contributing to the development of instructional laboratories. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expertise in prototyping, facilitating the entire project lifecycle, and collaborating with faculty members to enhance project-based courses. Additionally, this role involves managing the procurement of lab equipment, ensuring lab upkeep, and serving as a liaison between various university functions to support student project progress.
Major Responsibilities
- Provide technical guidance, fabrication support, and prototyping expertise to help students design, build, test, and iterate functional prototypes, while ensuring that students remain actively engaged in the development process.
- Support students in translating venture requirements into prototype development plans, including MVP scope, bill of materials, testing criteria, cost estimates, manufacturability considerations, and iteration timelines
- Manage the development and implementation of concepts to keep the lab facilities state-of-the-art and to meet the research and operational needs of TIE.
- Source materials and components required for prototype construction. Oversee the purchasing of lab equipment, maintaining an updated inventory, and coordinating with vendors to secure necessary resources
- Contribute to the design, development, and continuous improvement of TIE's instructional and prototyping lab capabilities, ensuring alignment with academic goals, venture-development needs, industry standards, and safe lab practices.
- Provide hands-on guidance and mentorship to graduate students throughout the prototyping cycle of their projects.
- Collaborate with students to troubleshoot technical challenges, offering technical expertise and innovative solutions.
- Advise students on best practices in prototyping, emphasizing safety and efficiency.
- Manage the upkeep and maintenance of laboratory facilities, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for learning.
- Oversee the safe operation of the lab according to KAUST HSE policy and international recognized standards.
- Collaborate with instructional staff and the program team to support student venture development, lab activation, course delivery, and prototyping milestones.
- Conduct workshops or training sessions for students and staff to enhance project-based learning.
- Serve as a liaison between various university functions, including academic departments, administrative offices, and research centers, to facilitate smooth project progress.
- Communicate project updates, challenges, and successes to relevant stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Advise graduate students during venture development, hub-based prototyping activities, and project-based courses, ensuring alignment with academic goals and real-world engineering practices.
- Maintain appropriate documentation of technical support provided to student ventures and uphold confidentiality, IP awareness.
- Maintain a prototyping dashboard across TIE ventures, tracking prototype stage, technical risks, required resources, testing milestones, procurement needs, safety requirements, and upcoming showcase/demo deadlines
- Deliver progress statements to TIE Program Leadership and relevant stakeholders through presentations and reports.
- Other relevant duties as required.
Competencies
- Extensive hands-on experience in prototyping, project management, and laboratory operations.
- Strong understanding of mechanical and electronic systems, including knowledge of actuators, sensors, and microcontrollers.
- Knowledge of control systems and automation, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Experience with robotics, particularly in the integration of mechanical and electronic components.
- Knowledge of design for manufacturing, assembly, reliability, and scalability.
- Practical knowledge of lab safety rules and regulations.
- Proven knowledge of project-management principles, and experience putting these into practice.
- Knowledge of current research trends and prototyping standards.
- Experience in working with and educating students.
- Ability to meet sensitive deadlines and work under pressure.
- Ability to adapt to a changing environment.
- Highly motivated with the ability to work independent and as part of a small team.
Qualifications
- Master's in engineering or a related field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and extensive prototyping experience will be considered. Candidates with PhD will also be considered.
- 8 + years relevant experience.
- Ability to travel 4-6 weeks / year.
- Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in mechatronics such as C, C++, Python, and MATLAB.
- Professional in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software, and 3D printing.
