Fabrication Lab Supervisor - Beirut
The School of Architecture and Design / Foundation Program is currently looking for a Fabrication Lab Supervisor reporting to the Foundation Program Director. This position is based on Beirut Campus.Role Summary
The Fabrication Lab Supervisor is mainly responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Fabrication Lab, ensuring a safe, efficient, well-maintained and academically supportive environment. The role serves as the primary technical resource for students and faculty, providing hands‑on guidance on manual and digital fabrication equipment, while enforcing strict compliance with safety standards and institutional policies.
This position supervises the role of Fabrication Lab Technician.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Supervises the daily operations of the Fabrication Lab, ensuring compliance with university policies, safety regulations, codes, and industry best practices
- Inspects equipment, procedures and all safety conditions regularly and enforces corrective action as needed
- Ensures the regular preventive maintenance of all equipment, identifies hazards and enforces corrective actions as needed
- Acts as the principal technical resource for faculty and students, demonstrating both manual and digital fabrication techniques, advising on prototyping strategies, and iterative workflows
- Provides instruction, mentoring and technical guidance to students, throughout the design and fabrication process
- Prepares and coordinates mandatory safety orientations sessions; reports accidents and incidents to the director
- Anticipates peak workload periods and proactively plans lab capacity, staff scheduling, and equipment allocation
- Coordinates studio schedules and project deadlines with school administrators and Foundation Program Director, to ensure adequate lab access and support
- Coordinates with faculty regarding project requirements, timelines, and technical constraints
- Manages inventory and purchase equipment and supplies for the lab
- Monitors and optimizes operational costs, ensuring efficient use of consumables
- Develops and periodically updates lab safety protocols, risk assessments, and emergency response procedures
- Shuts down equipment, restricts access, or revokes lab privileges when safety is compromised
- Evaluates, recommends, and prepares technical specifications for new tools, equipment, instruments, and facility upgrades
- Provides on-the-job training, coaching, and mentoring to enhance staff skills, efficiency, and professional growth
- Stays up to date with industry trends, best practices, and new technologies
- Ensures accurate documentation of training records, maintenance logs, and safety compliance
- Provides backup support for lab staff when needed to ensure continuity of operations
- Performs other duties pertinent to this job as required by the direct supervisor
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Vocational/High Technical Studies Level (TS) in a relevant specialization with minimum 6 years of related experience and 2 years in supervisory role OR Technical Baccalaureate Level (BT3) in a relevant specialization with 8 years of related experience with 2 years in a supervisory role
- Advanced knowledge of manual and digital fabrication techniques, shop management, and academic lab operations.
- Proven experience with CNC machinery, laser cutting, and 3D printing technologies
- Experience in equipment maintenance, diagnostics, and machinery repair
- Strong knowledge of wood, metal, plastic, and composite materials
- Proficiency in CAD/CAM software, digital fabrication workflows, and file preparation
- Strong organizational, supervisory, and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, administrators, and external vendors
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, People 365, and Banner
- Detail‑oriented, safety‑focused, patient, and collaborative team player
- Effective verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic
Working Conditions
Physical demands: The role involves exposure to noise, dust, fumes, heat, and various fabrication materials. It requires standing for extended periods, lifting and moving materials or equipment, using hand and power tools with precision, and performing tasks that involve bending, reaching, and varied physical postures. Frequent interaction with students in an active workshop setting requiring constant supervision and attention to safety.
Work Schedule: The regular schedule is Monday to Saturday (inclusive). This role is subject to modification and extended hours to accommodate lab needs after hours and on weekends, especially during final weeks of the term, peak academic project periods or studio deadlines.
Interested candidates should email their CVs with a letter of interest outlining the applicant’s relevant experience to vacancy5@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line.
CVs should include the exact month and year while listing the candidate’s professional experience and educational background.
Closing date for accepting applications is Friday, May 22, 2026.
No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
The Lebanese American University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.