3D Printing and Robotics Cores Manager

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The 3D Printing and Robotics Cores Manager will serve as a fabrication and design expert for the SEAS community. This position will provide laboratory leadership within SEAS shared robotics labs and operate the 3-D printing core. Research cores serve the community by providing technical expertise and experimental and equipment resources to enable innovation. This position will be responsible for managing and maintaining the two core facilities and equipment and offering design and fabrication expertise. Overall, the 3D Printing and Robotics Cores Manager will contribute to the design, fabrication, assembly, testing, control, and optimization of various experimental systems and components, with a specialty in consulting, performing 3-D printing and post-printing processing. In addition, this position will facilitate the operations of existing and new relevant robotics lab space and core engineering facilities, determine pricing and billing structures of the 3-D printing core, and ensure optimal operation and efficiency of the cores. This position will work with the Director of Science Operations for financial transactions, budgetary decision-making, and related administrative and financial tasks.

This position will be responsible for the innovation, evolution, and maintenance of a broad set of mechanical, 3-D printing, and robotics engineering systems to facilitate SEAS’ mission and research.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of the Robotics Core and the 3D Printing Core, ensuring effective use of shared research and fabrication facilities.
• Train researchers, students, and staff on proper equipment and space protocols and best practices, 3D printer operation, CAD workflows, robotics systems, and laboratory safety practices.
• Maintain, repair, and calibrate robotics and 3D printing equipment; coordinate service requests; and ensure reliable performance for ongoing research projects.
• Procure and manage inventory of equipment, software, materials, and supplies for both cores; maintain vendor relations and ensure availability to avoid downtime.
• Provide safety oversight and compliance monitoring for all equipment usage and research activities in both cores.
• Consult with researchers to plan experiments, develop comprehensive engineering solutions, recommend instrumentation or manufacturing methods, and process CAD models for 3D printing.
• Manage the full lifecycle of 3D printing operations—including reviewing and processing model files, scheduling and monitoring print jobs, post-processing printed parts, inspecting quality, and coordinating material changes.
• Lead equipment purchasing discussions for the Robotics Core and 3D Printing Core, develop new hardware/software tools to expand additive manufacturing capabilities, and introduce process improvements.
• Serve as the facility Safety Officer. This can include evaluating, maintaining, participating in, and monitoring general safety and engaging in annual reviews and updates to Havard’s Chemical Hygiene plan, and annual safety inspections.
• Develop and revise laboratory policies and procedures as the lab evolves to ensure compliance with federal, state, and University safety and regulatory requirements including the chemical hygiene plan, biosafety manual, university lab policy, etc.
• Maintain core websites, databases, and software systems, ensuring accurate information, scheduling tools, and technology resource oversight for both cores.
• Act as primary point of contact for the Robotics and 3D Printing Cores, coordinating tours, engaging with internal and external users, and promoting capabilities to expand usage.
• Collaborate with the Director of Science Operations on budgeting, financial planning, usage reporting, and long-term strategic planning for both cores. Perform market analysis for competitive pricing.

Working Conditions:

• Regular work will occur in (office, machine shop, maker space, chemical, or measurement laboratory environments)
• May be in the presence of (infrared light emitting, toxic, magnets, radioactive, or carcinogenic materials/equipment including compressed gases, acids, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals)
• The environment may be noisy (or loud) at times and PPE will be provided
• May be required to serve as emergency contact for space or equipment

Physical Requirements:

On occasion, the incumbent may be required to lift or carry lab equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience with 3-D printers, laser cutters, and conventional and/or additive fabrication tools

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• A minimum of 2 years progressively responsible research/lab management experience in a mechanical/electrical engineering laboratory is preferred
• 2 or more years of experience with conventional and additive fabrication
• Experience with repair and maintenance of 3D printers
• Bachelor's degree in science or engineering is strongly preferred
• Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills are required
• Experience with mathematical/analytical software (e.g., Matlab, Comsol) and electrical and mechanical design software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk, Eagle, etc.) preferred
• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Physics preferred
• Working knowledge and experience with CAD and other 3D modeling software applications that are necessary for interfacing with 3D printers.

Certificates and Licenses:

Must be able to obtain and maintain the following certifications while fulfilling this role:

• Machine Shop Training certification (Harvard online training)

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. This position has a Monday – Friday work schedule and will require working on-site a minimum of 4 days per week. During peak periods, this position may require working onsite 5 days per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.