Driven. Engaging. Innovative. Do these words motivate you? If so, then we want to talk with you.
If you have a passion for design, making, and mentorship, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of design education.
This is an on-site position located on campus in San Francisco.
Responsibilities:

Digital Fabrication & Curriculum Integration

• Lead the development and execution of rapid prototyping workflows that support product design courses both onsite and online.
• Ensure prototyping tools and techniques align with a user-centered, iterative design approach.
• Serve as the point of contact for student, faculty, and industry use of CNC and digital fabrication tools.
• Support students in selecting the right tools and processes to bring their design intent to life.
• Manage and operate all key prototyping equipment, including:
• 5-Axis CNC Router
• Laser Cutters
• Stratasys 3D Printers
• Handheld 3D Scanners
• Vinyl Cutting Plotters
• Related software and hardware systems

Facility & Resource Management

• Keep all prototyping equipment in a “turn-key” state—ready for immediate use in class or industry-sponsored projects.
• Track and manage material supplies to support ongoing prototyping needs.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, maintenance, and material inventory.
• Prioritize machine scheduling to ensure efficient usage and high return on investment across all user groups.
• Develop and implement a 3-tier billing and access strategy for:
• IDS students and faculty
• Non-IDS departments across the Academy
• External industry partners and clients

Collaboration & Workflow Optimization

• Work with other departments to build cross-disciplinary workflows that promote innovation and real-world relevance.
• Train student technicians and staff in proper equipment use and workflow best practices.
• Build systems that improve clarity and efficiency in prototyping processes, helping students understand which tools and materials are appropriate for each phase of the design cycle.

Analog Shop & Physical Product Support

• Collaborate with the Shop Manager to ensure tools and staffing align with the needs of the model-making and prototyping curriculum.
• Advise students on physical build strategy and execution.
• Assist with maintaining shop equipment, scheduling, and troubleshooting.
• Support procurement efforts for materials and supplies related to analog and digital shop operations.

Full-Time Faculty Responsibilities: Teaching Product Design

• Teach assigned courses in product design, model making, and digital fabrication.
• Participate in curriculum development, student reviews, and departmental initiatives.
• Mentor students on both design thinking and technical execution.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback to support skill growth and critical thinking.
• Maintain active engagement in the classroom and online learning environments.
• Support departmental efforts during portfolio reviews, open houses, workshops, and industry engagements.
• Attend department and university meetings and uphold all accreditation standards and university policies.

Instructional Expectations

• Post grades and assignment feedback according to published deadlines.
• Track student attendance, communication, and engagement using the university’s LMS (Brightspace).
• Support students who are absent or falling behind by communicating promptly and connecting them to appropriate resources.
• Be an active participant in online course environments, responding to students within one business day.
• Follow all university guidelines for scheduling, communication, and class recordings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in product development and prototyping.
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM platforms such as Rhino, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.
• Strong background in digital and analog fabrication workflows.
• Experience teaching or mentoring students is a plus.
• Familiarity with sustainable materials and circular design practices preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Compensation:
$75,000.00 - $85,000.00 annually
Benefits:
Application Deadline: August 21, 2025

• Teach assigned courses in product design, model making, and digital fabrication.
• Participate in curriculum development, student reviews, and departmental initiatives.
• Mentor students on both design thinking and technical execution.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback to support skill growth and critical thinking.
• Maintain active engagement in the classroom and online learning environments.
• Support departmental efforts during portfolio reviews, open houses, workshops, and industry engagements.
• Attend department and university meetings and uphold all accreditation standards and university policies