D&T Technician/Designer in Residence

This is a unique opportunity for someone with a background in Product or Industrial Design to work in an educational setting — supporting students in prototyping, using CAD software, operating 3D printers and laser cutters, and contributing to exciting D&T projects.

As well as providing vital technical support, you'll have the chance to lead enrichment activities, develop new resources, and inspire students with your real-world design experience.

Join us in shaping the future of creative education and making design meaningful for the next generation.

Job Description: Designer-in-Residence / Design & Technology Technician

Purpose of Role

To provide high-quality technical support to the Design & Technology (D&T) department, with a focus on digital fabrication and contemporary design practices. The postholder will manage the preparation, maintenance and safe use of tools, equipment and resources, while also supporting students and staff in the delivery of innovative, creative and practical D&T learning.

This role is ideally suited to a graduate in Product Design, Industrial Design or a related discipline, offering a unique opportunity to apply their design expertise in an educational environment and help inspire the next generation of designers.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Preparation of Equipment and Materials

• Prepare tools, materials, and digital files required for lessons and projects.
• Set up equipment (e.g. laser cutter, 3D printers, etc.) in advance of lessons.
• Produce prototypes or sample work to support the delivery of curriculum projects.
• Support in managing digital fabrication workflows including slicing, nesting, and file preparation.

2. Support for Students and Staff

• Provide technical support to students during practical lessons and project work.
• Assist students with the use of CAD software, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
• Offer design-related advice and mentoring, particularly at KS4 and KS5.
• Support teaching staff by preparing teaching aids, project samples, and visual resources.
• Lead or co-lead extracurricular design and STEM activities or clubs.

3. Health and Safety

• Ensure all practical work is carried out in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment in the workshop and preparation areas.
• Conduct regular risk assessments of equipment and procedures.
• Provide or support the delivery of safety inductions to students using machinery or digital equipment.

4. Maintenance and Organisation

• Maintain all equipment in good working order, including servicing and calibration where necessary.
• Report faults promptly and liaise with external suppliers for repairs when required.
• Monitor and organise storage of materials, tools, and student work.
• Manage stock levels, ordering consumables and materials as needed.

5. Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate inventories of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Support staff in resource planning and budgeting for design projects.
• Keep up-to-date logs for equipment maintenance and servicing schedules.
• Contribute to displays and exhibitions of student work.

6. Professional Development

• Take part in relevant training to develop technical skills (e.g. new software, equipment).
• Stay informed about emerging technologies in design and education.
• Attend departmental and school-wide meetings where appropriate.
• Support the wider life of the school as a creative ambassador for design.

Person Specification

1. Qualifications

• A degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related field (essential).
• Evidence of continued professional development (desirable).
• Health & Safety training such as COSHH or workshop safety (desirable - training can be provided).

2. Skills and Experience

• Proficient in the use of CAD software (e.g. Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Illustrator).
• Experience operating laser cutters, 3D printers, and other D&T equipment.
• Strong practical skills in model making, prototyping, and design realisation.
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain technical equipment.
• Experience working with young people in a support, mentoring or educational context (desirable).

3. Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic about design, making, and technology education.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Creative, resourceful, and solution-focused.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, technologies, and teaching environments.
• Able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Applications will be considered upon receipt.