Prototyping and Lab Specialist📣 Job Ad

About the Prototyping and Lab Specialist Role

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is seeking a Prototyping and Lab Specialist to join its academic support team within the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) program. This is a full-time, senior-level position located in the Makkah region, serving both Jeddah and Makkah. The role requires 5-10 years of relevant experience.

Role Overview and Program Context

The Prototyping and Lab Specialist will oversee the laboratory component for graduate students, focusing on hands-on projects and contributing to the development of instructional laboratories. This role involves providing expertise in prototyping, facilitating the entire project lifecycle, and collaborating with faculty to enhance project-based courses. Additionally, the specialist will manage lab equipment procurement, ensure lab upkeep, and act as a liaison across university functions to support student project progress.

Key Responsibilities: Prototyping and Student Support

• Provide technical guidance, fabrication support, and prototyping expertise to students for designing, building, testing, and iterating functional prototypes.
• Support students in translating venture requirements into prototype development plans, including MVP scope, bill of materials, testing criteria, cost estimates, manufacturability, and iteration timelines.
• Offer hands-on guidance and mentorship to graduate students throughout their project prototyping cycles.
• Collaborate with students to troubleshoot technical challenges, providing expertise and solutions.
• Advise students on prototyping best practices, emphasizing safety and efficiency.
• Conduct workshops or training sessions for students and staff to enhance project-based learning.
• Advise graduate students during venture development, hub-based prototyping activities, and project-based courses, aligning with academic goals and engineering practices.

Key Responsibilities: Laboratory Operations and Development

• Manage the development and implementation of concepts to maintain state-of-the-art lab facilities that meet TIE's research and operational needs.
• Source materials and components for prototype construction, oversee lab equipment purchasing, maintain inventory, and coordinate with vendors.
• Contribute to the design, development, and continuous improvement of TIE’s instructional and prototyping lab capabilities, ensuring alignment with academic goals, venture-development needs, industry standards, and safe lab practices.
• Manage the upkeep and maintenance of laboratory facilities, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.
• Oversee the safe operation of the lab in accordance with KAUST HSE policy and internationally recognized standards.

Collaboration, Liaison, and Reporting

• Collaborate with instructional staff and the program team to support student venture development, lab activation, course delivery, and prototyping milestones.
• Serve as a liaison between various university functions, including academic departments, administrative offices, and research centers, to facilitate smooth project progress.
• Communicate project updates, challenges, and successes to relevant stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of technical support provided to student ventures, upholding confidentiality and IP awareness.
• Maintain a prototyping dashboard across TIE ventures, tracking prototype stage, technical risks, required resources, testing milestones, procurement needs, safety requirements, and upcoming showcase/demo deadlines.
• Deliver progress statements to TIE Program Leadership and relevant stakeholders through presentations and reports.

Required Experience

Candidates for this position should possess 5-10 years of experience in a relevant field, demonstrating strong expertise in prototyping, lab management, and technical guidance. The role requires a professional capable of working in a dynamic academic and innovation-focused environment.