Hayy Makers Technician

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 Hayy Makers Technician will play a key role in maintaining the functionality and safety of the Makerspace, providing hands-on technical support and training to members and users. The role includes overseeing equipment use, delivering user orientations and short training sessions, supporting machine programming and operations, and helping develop resources that promote a culture of safe and informed making.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Equipment Support

• Maintain and support the day-to-day operations of the Makerspace and its equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to digital and analog fabrication tools.
• Provide ongoing technical support for 3D printers, laser cutters, and other equipment.
• Support the setup, maintenance, and calibration of both computerized and non-computerized machinery.

Training & Safety

• Ensure the safe operation of the Makerspace at all times.
• Train users in the safe and proper use of equipment and machinery.
• Support implementation and adherence to safety policies and emergency procedures.
• May be required to supervise evening and weekend access and ensure safety during off-peak hours.

Project Management & Implementation

• Act as project manager for the implementation and rollout of new Makerspace equipment or technologies.
• Participate in the evaluation and piloting of new tools or programs.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment, software, and improvements aligned with community needs.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Work closely with other departments and initiatives within Hayy Jameel to maximize community engagement with the Makerspace.
• May assist the wider IT team or technical staff as needed and determined by departmental leadership.   

Education & Experience

• Degree or equivalent relevant work experience in a technical, engineering, or fabrication-related field.
• Proven experience supporting digital fabrication or maker technologies in an educational, cultural, or business setting.
• Background in woodworking or other fabrication disciplines.
• Experience in training or mentoring users in technical environments is preferred.
• Prior experience in a makerspace or similar hands-on environment is an advantage.
• Candidates residing in or eligible to work in the Gulf Region are preferred.

Certifications

• Valid First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hiring).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work collaboratively with a wide range of users.
• Familiarity with current desktop and mobile operating systems.
• Hands-on knowledge of digital fabrication tools, including:
  • Woodworking equipment and machinery
  • 3D Printers
  • CNC machines
  • Laser cutters (optional but beneficial)
• Proficiency in design software.
• Understanding of productivity tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office).
• Familiarity with microelectronic platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar.
• Knowledge of coding or physical computing is a plus.
• Ability to multitask and manage technical support across users with varying levels of expertise.
• Capable of clearly explaining technical information to both technical and non-technical users.