Introduction

We are looking for a leader of our machine prototyping program.

Basic Terms

Must live on-site at Factor e Farm (accommodations are provided, applicant covers their own food)
Full time commitment (no outside jobs or telecommuting unless specifically negotiated)
Applicant covers travel to and from FeF
Applicant covers their own insurance needs
Semi-monthly blog posting on the Factor e Farm Blog according to FeF Blogging Standards
Financial compensation based on experience and culture fit
Alignment with open source culture
Openness to lifelong learning

Professional (or equivalent) experience in custom fabrication and machining
- Virtuoso or Master skill level required
Experience with hydraulic power
- Hydraulic pump-motor coupling, valve types, Hydrauilic Circuits, flow/power/speed calculations
Competency with mechanical and electrical systems
- Basic competence in small engines, electrical wiring of motors
Experience in heavy machine operation - tractors, skid steers, backhoe, etc.
Basic working proficiency in technical drafting or CAD
- Reading fabrication drawings
- basic mechanical design/machine design skills
Teaching experience
CAM experience and is a plus

Main duties:

Ongoing building of prototypes
- Pursues design work in absence of completed designs
Ongoing field testing of prototypes
- Data collection, evaluation, improvements in subsequent prototypes
Leads teams of fabricators and apprentices in prototyping and production runs
- Develops fabrication procedure according to Fabrication Diagram method

Keeping workshop well-organized, ergonomic, and clean
- Develops standards for cleanliness, tool organization, workflow
Prototype fabrication quality control
Training our team in machine operation and tool use
Coordinates remote fabrication teams (Flash Fab Mobs)
Instilling a sense of pride in craftsmanship and inspiring others towards mastery
Designing shop organization and replication strategy with management team
Enforcing shop conduct standards covering safety, quality control, organization, and cleanliness
Advising the Director of Learning in developing curriculum covering fabrication and machining