Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art is the world’s largest community of postgraduate art and design students. It is also the oldest art and design university in continuous operation and has been ranked as the world ‘s number 1 art & design university for a remarkable nine consecutive years, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 – the largest world-wide survey of academic and industry opinion.
Are you interested in supporting students in their creative explorations and the experimental possibilities of making which combine traditional techniques with new technologies?
Are you eager to develop and share your skills and take advantage of on-site training?
This is your opportunity to help deliver, manage and support the CNC and Laser Cutting Workshop at the Royal College of Art.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an adaptable and highly motivated CAD/CAM CNC operator with Laser Cutting knowledge to work within an existing team of specialist technicians. This role will involve working directly with MA students and researchers to support their professional development.
What we have ?
Primary workshop equipment would include a large format CNC router, desktop CNC machines and a CNC robot arm. The workshop also benefits from several laser cutters, vac formers and other plastic forming tools.
The day job as a Specialist Technical Instructor in Making (CNC Milling and Laser Cutting)
You will be able to deliver technical support, advice and demonstrations in model making, prototyping, CAD for CNC and Laser Cutting.
- Prepare digital files for the CNC process.
- Assist students and staff with complex problem-solving and finding creative technical solutions.
- Enthusiasm for continual learning as part of a dynamic team.
- Maintain equipment and keep accurate records.
- Uphold the college's commitment to Health and Safety and inclusion.
- Support College Teaching, Learning and Research activities that may require access to CNC Milling and Laser Cutting.
What you will need to have:
- Experience of CNC Milling and Laser Cutting processes, including the application of 3D CAD/CAM programming for these processes
- Knowledge of one of the following CAD programs or similar;, Rhino, Solidworks, Blender or Fusion360.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to use initiative and work as part of a team.
- Excellent organisational, time management, planning and problem solving skills.
- A practical understanding of model making techniques.
- Some experience Health and Safety policies such as COSSH and Risk Assessment would be desirable but not essential.
The Recruitment Process:
Specialist Technical Instructors at the RCA need to excel in three key areas; Technical Knowledge, Helping Others and Administrative Processes. Use stage four of the application process to tell us about your experience in these areas and evidence your ability to perform in each.
Please note that your experience does not have to be directly linked to the creative industries or education. We are keen to hear about any experiences you may have had, particularly if you feel they have influenced your ability to perform in this role.
As part of your application you may be invited to an initial assessment on Zoom, a technical test and formal interview. We estimate this recruitment process to be complete within a 2 month period.
The Royal College of Art is committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, where differences are valued and celebrated and where innovation, creativity and diversity can flourish.
We welcome and encourage applications from all members of the community and recognise some may need additional support completing an online application process, for example dyslexia. The Royal College of Art is also a committed member of the Two Ticks’ Positive About Disability Scheme.
Please see Information Pack for more details.
The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.
We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.
Tell us if you need information in a different format. In your message to resourcing@rca.ac.uk include:
- the web address (URL) of the content
- your email address and name
- please be informed our system can generate a pdf application form that is for printing only so an applicant can hand-write a response.