STEPS Design Technology Specialist

Physical Requirements • Ability to lift and move materials up to approximately 40 pounds. • Ability to stand, walk, and work in fabrication spaces for extended periods

Varied, 40 hours per week

The STEPS Design Technology Specialist supports the daily operations of the College of Design fabrication and digital output labs in the Gray Design Building. This position assists students, faculty, and staff in the safe and effective use of fabrication equipment and digital output technologies, while helping maintain an organized, safe, and well-managed lab environment.

The role supports lab operations including equipment oversight, student assistance, materials management, recycling programs, and enforcement of space usage policies. The position works closely with the Office of Design Technology team to ensure the labs operate efficiently and in alignment with College policies.

Primary Responsibilities / Essential Duties

Lab Operations Support
• Assist with day-to-day operation of fabrication labs, digital output spaces, and related facilities.
• Provide basic support and guidance to students using fabrication tools and digital output equipment.
• Monitor lab activities to ensure safe operation of equipment and adherence to lab safety procedures.
• Assist with routine maintenance, cleaning, and organization of lab equipment and work areas.

Student Support and Equipment Assistance
• Help students prepare files and materials for fabrication processes including 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC milling, and large-format printing.
• Troubleshoot basic user issues related to equipment operation and digital workflows.
• Support the training and onboarding of students in appropriate lab procedures.

Materials Management and Recycling Program
• Assist with management of the College’s student materials inventory and distribution systems.
• Support organization, storage, and tracking of commonly used materials in fabrication spaces.
• Coordinate and maintain the College of Design materials recycling and reuse program.
• Help sort, collect, and redistribute reusable materials to reduce waste and support sustainable practices.

Lab Space Planning and Policy Administration
• Assist with administration and enforcement of fabrication lab space policies and procedures.
• Monitor usage of lab spaces to ensure compliance with College guidelines.
• Support scheduling and coordination of shared lab spaces and fabrication resources.
• Help maintain clear organization and functional layout of lab work areas.

General Facilities Support
• Assist with organization and upkeep of shared lab environments.
• Report equipment issues, safety concerns, or facility needs to Design Technology staff.
• Support preparation of lab spaces for workshops, classes, and events.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with students and faculty in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to follow and enforce safety procedures.
• Basic troubleshooting ability with digital equipment and fabrication tools.
• Strong communication and customer-service skills.

• Experience with fabrication technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and large-format printers.
• Experience working in an academic lab, maker space, or fabrication environment.
• Familiarity with digital design tools such as Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.