Design & Fabrication Senior Specialist

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Department

Clark Science Center Administration

Job Description

Job Summary

Experienced teacher and practitioner of CAD, CAM, and fabrication technologies who provides instruction and hands-on use of the Center for Design & Fabrication (CDF) for undergraduate engineering and other students with a variety of materials and equipment. Advises student projects and consults with staff and faculty on practical and effective ways to achieve desired coursework and research results. Designs and fabricates tools, equipment and instrument parts. Manages an accessible shop that constituents look forward to using.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Course Support (40%):

• Supervise and teach students from STEM and other academic disciplines
• (e.g., Architecture) to complete course projects including instruction in drafting and design, the selection of materials and tools, and the safe and appropriate operation of shop equipment.
• Instruction will include design, model making, electronics, machining, fabrication and prototyping.
• Provide instruction to scheduled classes, groups and individual students.
• The goal for each student is to have a practical experience in design and fabrication.

Consulting (25%):

• Serve as a campus-wide consultant to faculty, staff and students for advice on
• projects not related to standard courses, including Honors projects, Special Studies, SURF projects and faculty research.
• Collaborate on experimental design and the selection of materials, techniques and tools.
• Fabricate prototypes and collaborate to refine them into final products.
• Offer extensive hands-on instruction for both faculty and students in the use
• of the equipment and related safety procedures.
• Support the Clark Science Center Administrative Director and the Corporate and Foundations Office with technical advice in grant development and fundraising.

Center Operations (10%):

• Partner with other CDF staff to provide daily management and strategic
• planning for the Center for Design & Fabrication (CDF).
• Develop and maintain relationships with faculty constituents to ensure the CDF remains relevant to research and curricula.
• Advise the Science Center Directors on the long-term direction, acquisition of equipment and appropriate training to keep the CDF current with progressing technologies.
• Partner with faculty in the development of course curricula and associated CDF academic teaching labs.
• Schedule CDF workflow in coordination with course schedules and research projects.
• Manage the CDF budget.
• Develop and enforce environmental health and safety guidelines within the CDF as they relate to staff, student and faculty users.
• Track and report on equipment usage.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance (25%):

• Operate, oversee the use of and maintain the equipment in the CDF, including regular calibration and cleaning of equipment and maintenance of computer software packages related to equipment operations.
• Partner with other CDF staff to provide a full scope of expertise in design, prototyping, machining (conventional as well as CNC), 3D printing, wood working, welding, sheet metal fabrication, electrical and basic plumbing.
• Repair Science Center lab equipment as is feasible.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree Field: Science, Technology or Engineering
• 8 or more years experience Area: Teaching related to design and
• fabrication
• 5 or more years experience Area: Fabrication with a wide variety of
• mediums, methods and materials
• Knowledge of: Technical proficiency in the safe operation of machinery and tools relating to the machinist and fabrication trades, including but not limited to machining (conventional as well as CNC), 3D printing, wood working, welding, sheet metal fabrication, electrical and basic plumbing.
• Strong engineering math and computer skills are required, including CAD/CAM.

Skills:

• Ability through training to improve knowledge and skills needed for
• professional improvement.
• Highly organized with strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively to solve fabrication and design problems.

Flexible hours outside the normal college business hours are occasionally required.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, pay for this role is typically between $84,481.02 - $114,297.85 annually covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications.

Position Type

Regular

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

January 16, 2026

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.