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Digital Fabrication Lab Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

One Hat One Hand

Fabrication Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$44 - $54/hr

We're seeking a Fabrication Manager in our woodshop with a skill set beyond that of a skilled ... Experience with digital fabrication techniques (CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing) General ...

Quest Global

Lab Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Lab Manager - Mountain View, CA We're looking for a detail‐oriented Lab Manager to oversee daily ... and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the ...

Axon

CAD and Fabrication Specialist

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Digital Fabrication & 3D Printing * Manage all 3D printing operations, including modeling, file preparation, printing, post-processing, and machine maintenance. * Ensure 3D prints meet quality ...

Axon

CAD and Fabrication Specialist

Phoenix, AZ

Digital Fabrication & 3D Printing * Manage all 3D printing operations, including modeling, file preparation, printing, post-processing, and machine maintenance. * Ensure 3D prints meet quality ...

Texas State University

Lab Manager

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$5K - $6K/mo

Prior experience in a semiconductor fabrication or cleanroom environment. * Familiarity with vacuum ... The Lab Manager will manage and ensure operational readiness of a semiconductor laboratory. They ...

Apple

Lab Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

As an Electronics Lab Manager, you will be the backbone of our hardware engineering environment ... digital circuitsNetwork EngineeringA technical Associate's or Bachelor's degree is preferred ...

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Digital Fabrication Lab Manager information

See salary details

$14.5K

$92.9K

$164K

How much do digital fabrication lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital fabrication lab manager in the United States is $92,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Digital Fabrication Lab Manager vs Digital Fabrication Technician?

AspectDigital Fabrication Lab ManagerDigital Fabrication Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, design, or related field; certifications in CAD, CAM, or 3D printing are commonOften has technical certifications or vocational training in digital fabrication tools and software
Work EnvironmentOversees the lab operations, manages staff, and ensures safety protocolsOperates fabrication equipment, assists users, and maintains tools
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, innovation labs, manufacturing facilitiesFabrication shops, maker spaces, educational settings

The Digital Fabrication Lab Manager focuses on overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring safety, while the Digital Fabrication Technician handles hands-on equipment operation and user support. Both roles require technical skills, but the manager's role is more administrative and supervisory.

What does a Digital Fabrication Lab Manager do?

A Digital Fabrication Lab Manager oversees the operations of a fabrication lab, which is equipped with digital tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. They are responsible for maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and assisting students or staff with projects. Additionally, they may provide training, manage lab schedules, order supplies, and support innovation and prototyping activities within the lab. Their role helps facilitate hands-on learning and creative experimentation in educational or research environments.

What are some common challenges Digital Fabrication Lab Managers face when overseeing equipment and user safety?

Digital Fabrication Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining a wide range of complex equipment, ensuring all users are properly trained, and enforcing strict safety protocols. Balancing open access for students and staff with the need to prevent accidents or equipment misuse requires proactive communication and regular safety workshops. Additionally, staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving digital fabrication technologies can be demanding, but it's essential for keeping the lab innovative and efficient.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Digital Fabrication Lab Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Fabrication Lab Manager, you need expertise in digital design, fabrication processes (such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling), and a background in engineering, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, safety protocols, and often certifications in relevant machinery operation are typically required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help manage lab operations, support users, and foster a collaborative environment. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe, efficient lab functioning and to enable innovation and learning among lab users.
Infographic showing various Digital Fabrication Lab Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,919 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Fabrication Manager

Fabrication Manager

One Hat One Hand

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$44 - $54/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Overview
At One Hat One Hand, we design, fabricate, and install unique works of art-the shop is where it all comes to life. Our clientele comprises corporate partners, architecture/interior design firms, artists, and public arts commissions.
We're seeking a Fabrication Manager in our woodshop with a skill set beyond that of a skilled builder or foreperson. This leadership role requires someone who can lead with clarity, build systems, and elevate both people and processes in a dynamic, high-accountability environment.
This position oversees daily shop operations and helps shape a shop culture rooted in quality, care, and efficiency. If you thrive under pressure, can rally a team together, and can see ten steps ahead while staying grounded in daily operations, this role is for you.
Who You Are
  • You're a craftsman with a coach's mentality.
  • You have 10+ years working in millworks, cabinetry or similar fabrication field
  • You can read the room, hold high expectations, and lead a team through hard days without losing sight of company level objectives.
  • You're a systems thinker-organized, forward-thinking, and naturally inclined to streamline, delegate, and follow through.
  • You care deeply about the culture of the shop-how people show up, how tools are treated, how the space feels, and how standards are upheld.

Key Responsibilities
Production Workflows & Leadership
  • Lead, schedule, and supervise the daily operations of the shop.
  • Assign daily tasks based on production timelines and skill levels, ensuring staff are set up for success.
  • Track time and progress across all active builds, ensuring accountability and productivity are maintained.

Team Leadership & Culture
  • Set the tone for professionalism, safety, and excellence in the shop.
  • Lead crews through tight deadlines and shifting priorities without losing morale.
  • Mentor, train, and guide general fabricators-helping junior staff level up and senior staff stay sharp.
  • Handle interpersonal tensions with maturity and clear communication.

Process Improvement & Shop Systems
  • Develop and maintain shop systems that support efficient, repeatable outcomes.
  • Enforce best practices in material storage, tool use, and general workspace upkeep.
  • Participate in post-project reviews and continuous improvement planning.

Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Work closely with Production Managers, Designers, and PMs to translate designs into buildable products.
  • Participate in design reviews, offering insights from the shop floor to inform better design choices.

Quality Control & Problem Solving
  • Be the last line of defense on quality.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues in real-time and maintain a solutions-first attitude.
  • Elevate build quality, tool accuracy, and material choices across the shop.

Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Maintain OSHA standards, shop safety protocols, and a clean work environment.
    Ensure proper use of PPE and reinforce break schedules, especially during long shifts.
  • Lead by example when it comes to physical safety and mental clarity under pressure.

Essential Skills & Qualifications
  • Master-level skills in carpentry, woodworking, and wood-based fabrication.
  • Strong knowledge of wood species, engineered products, adhesives, fasteners, and finishes.
  • Experienced in fabrication process design for a team.
  • Proven ability to lead and coach a crew; strong communication and follow-through.
  • Emotionally intelligent: calm under pressure, good at reading people, and able to give/receive feedback constructively.
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting shop drawings and DFM drawings.
  • Familiarity with LEAN principles and Six-Sigma (formal training is a plus).
  • Comfortable using (or learning) Rhino, Solidworks, V-Carve, and other digital fabrication tools primarily for viewing purposes.
  • Experience with digital fabrication techniques (CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing)

General Requirements
  • 10+ years of experience in fabrication or construction; 5+ in a supervisory or leadership role.
  • High school diploma or GED required; trade certification or technical school preferred.
  • Must be 25+ years old with a valid Class B CA driver's license.
    • No DUI charges in the past 5 years, and no more than 2 points on license.
  • OSHA 30 required - for General Industry/Manufacturing preferred, for Construction acceptable
  • Willingness to travel for installs and work extended hours when needed.

Physical Expectations
  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs, climb ladders, crouch, kneel, and handle tools for extended periods.
  • Comfortable working in loud, dusty, or varying temperature environments.
  • Ability to maintain energy and focus during long install or strike days.

What You'll Influence
  • The culture of our organization
  • The safety, growth, and unity our fabrication team.
  • The integrity and excellence of everything that leaves our shop.

This Role Isn't For You If:
  • You're a great individual contributor but don't enjoy leading others.
  • You avoid difficult conversations.
  • You need a rigid, top-down environment to feel successful.
  • You're not excited about systems and process development.

But It Might Be Your Dream Role If:
  • You love leading with purpose and helping others step into their best work.
  • You want to co-create a shop environment that's highly efficient, collaborative, and respected.
  • You enjoy solving real-world problems and helping build truly standout work.
    To apply for this position please follow the link below

https://onehatonehand.bamboohr.com/careers/68

Apply