Prototyping and Lab Specialist

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Prototyping and Lab Specialist to join our senior academic support team within the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) program. This pivotal role involves managing the lab activities for graduate student projects, supporting hands-on prototyping, and advancing instructional laboratory capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer expert technical assistance and prototyping guidance to help students conceive, develop, test, and refine functional prototypes, ensuring active student involvement throughout the process.
• Assist students in converting venture needs into detailed prototyping plans, covering minimum viable product definitions, materials lists, testing criteria, cost analysis, manufacturability, and iterative timelines.
• Lead the enhancement and upkeep of laboratory facilities, ensuring they remain cutting-edge and effectively support TIE’s research and operational requirements.
• Procure and manage lab equipment and materials, maintain up-to-date inventory records, and liaise with vendors for resources acquisition.
• Contribute to the continual advancement of TIE’s instructional labs, aligning lab functions with academic objectives, venture development needs, industry benchmarks, and safety protocols.
• Provide mentoring and direct hands-on support to graduate students throughout the prototyping lifecycle.
• Collaborate with students to resolve technical issues by deploying innovative solutions and expert advice.
• Educate students on prototyping best practices, emphasizing safety and efficiency in lab practices.
• Oversee the maintenance and safety of lab environments to provide a secure and productive workspace.
• Manage lab operations in compliance with KAUST Health, Safety, and Environment standards and internationally recognized guidelines.
• Work jointly with instructional staff and program coordinators to support student ventures, lab activities, course implementation, and prototyping goals.
• Conduct workshops and training sessions to enhance learning experiences for students and staff.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among academic departments, administrative units, and research centers to streamline project development.
• Regularly report project status, challenges, and successes to relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration.
• Advise graduate students on venture development, prototyping tasks, and project-based coursework, ensuring alignment with both academic aims and practical engineering standards.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of technical assistance provided, safeguarding confidentiality and intellectual property.
• Maintain a centralized prototyping dashboard tracking project stages, technical risks, procurement, safety, testing milestones, and upcoming presentations or demonstrations.
• Present progress updates to TIE leadership and associated stakeholders through reports and presentations.
• Perform additional duties as necessary.

Required Expertise and Skills

• Extensive practical experience in prototyping, project coordination, and managing laboratory operations.
• In-depth knowledge of mechanical and electronic systems including actuators, sensors, and microcontroller technologies.
• Familiarity with control systems and automation, particularly Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and integration of mechanical and electronic elements in robotics.
• Understanding of design principles for manufacturability, assembly, product reliability, and scalability.
• Strong grasp of laboratory safety regulations and procedures.
• Proven application of project management techniques.
• Awareness of current research trends and standards within prototyping.
• Experience in student mentorship and education within technical fields.
• Capability to work effectively under deadline pressure and adapt to dynamic environments.
• Self-driven and capable of working both independently and collaboratively in small teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline preferred. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree complemented by extensive prototyping experience will also be considered. PhD holders are welcomed.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 4–6 weeks annually.
• Proficiency in mechatronics programming languages such as C, C++, Python, and MATLAB.
• Advanced skills in CAD and CAM software as well as 3D printing technologies.