Digital Fabrication Specialist

Hayy Jameel, developed and managed by Art Jameel, is Jeddah’s dedicated home for the arts and a creative hub for Saudi Arabia. Designed by award-winning architects waiwai, Hayy draws its name from the Arabic word for neighbourhood, reflecting the complex’s spirit of community, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary exchange. Alongside Hayy Arts (the museum), Hayy Learning, and Hayy Studios, the centre is also home to Hayy Cinema—Saudi Arabia’s first independent audiovisual centre—designed by Jeddah-based architects Bricklab.

Hayy Makers is the latest addition to Hayy Jameel: an innovative space dedicated to empowering and supporting the artistic community by providing a dynamic environment for collaboration, experimentation, and production. It aims to foster artistic expression, skill development, and cultural exchange through state-of-the-art facilities, diverse programming, expert guidance, and a welcoming, inclusive community. The goal is to inspire artists and producers to push creative boundaries, explore new ideas, and share their work with broader audiences—ultimately contributing to the future of art in Saudi Arabia.

Position Overview

The Digital Fabrication Specialist plays a central role in supporting the daily operations and growth of Hayy Makers. This position combines hands-on technical expertise in digital fabrication with a strong focus on education and community engagement. The role involves maintaining and troubleshooting equipment, delivering user inductions, developing training programmes, and ensuring a culture of safe, informed, and creative making.

The Specialist will also lead and support the delivery of workshops and courses for a diverse range of users, including artists, designers, students, and the wider community, ensuring that users are confident, safe, and capable of using the tools and technologies provided.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Technical Support

Maintain and support the day-to-day functionality of Hayy Makers tools and equipment, with a focus on digital fabrication tools.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to digital and analog fabrication technologies.
Set up, maintain, and calibrate digital fabrication machinery, including 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, and related computer systems.
Support inventory management and ensure availability of spare parts and consumables.

Training, Inductions & Workshops

Develop and deliver structured induction programmes for new members on safe and effective equipment use.
Plan, prepare, and facilitate skill-building workshops and short courses tailored to users of varying experience levels.
Create training resources, signage, and documentation that promote best practices and technical confidence.
Collaborate with the wider Hayy Makers team to co-develop programming that integrates digital fabrication into cross-disciplinary creative practice.

Health & Safety

Ensure the safe operation of the Hayy Makers at all times and uphold best practices in tool use and studio management.
Develop and implement safety protocols, risk assessments, and emergency procedures across fabrication zones.
Monitor member usage and provide real-time support and guidance as needed, including evening/weekend coverage if required.

Research & Development

Participate in evaluating and piloting new tools and software that align with the creative goals of the space.
Recommend and assist in implementing upgrades or improvements to existing equipment and workflows.
Research and liaise with local and regional suppliers and service providers for maintenance, materials, and upgrades.

Cross-Team Collaboration

Collaborate with Hayy Jameel’s wider teams (Learning, Public Programming, Studios, etc.) to support multidisciplinary projects and community engagement.
Provide occasional support to IT or technical staff as required.

Education & Experience

Hands-on experience in digital fabrication, engineering, product design, architecture, or a related technical/creative field.
Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining digital fabrication equipment (3D printers, CNC, laser cutters).
Experience delivering inductions, training, or workshops in a technical or creative context.
Prior experience in a makerspace, fabrication lab, design studio, or educational environment is preferred.
Familiarity with woodworking and other hands-on fabrication disciplines is a plus.
Candidates residing in or eligible to work in the Gulf region are preferred.

Certifications

Valid First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain shortly after hiring).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in educational or collaborative settings.
Confidence using and teaching:
- 3D printers, CNC routers, and laser cutters
- Design and slicing software (e.g., Autocad, Fusion 360, Rhino, Cura, Illustrator)
- Computer systems used for equipment operation
Familiarity with woodworking equipment and mechanical tools.
Understanding of safety procedures and risk management in technical environments.
Ability to clearly communicate technical information to both beginners and advanced users.
Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects in a community-driven space.

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