ReCreateIt Gigalab Associate

Austin, TX
Part Time
ReCreateIt
Entry Level

Austin Habitat for Humanity is the forward-thinking Affordable Homeownership provider in the Austin area. Through faith in action, we engage the community in building homes, community, and hope.
 Join our service-oriented team to help build a better Austin!
AHFH MISSION
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Austin Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

VISION
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

OUR CORE VALUES
Forward Thinking
Collaborative
Service Oriented

JOB SUMMARY:
We are seeking a motivated and hands-on staff member to work in our net zero manufacturing lab (Gigalab). In this role, you will assist in recycling and repurposing plastic waste and creating sustainable, functional home goods in partnership with our ReCreateIt and Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore team. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in sustainability, manufacturing and innovative technologies while gaining real-world experience in the growing field of sustainable product development and waste diversion.

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:
  • Acts as a role model within and outside the Agency
  • Adheres to Agency policy and procedures
  • Maintains a positive and respectful attitude and upholds organizational core values
  • Works in collaboration with supervisor and staff to implement organizational strategic goals
  • Demonstrates self-motivation, flexibility and efficient time management


PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Plastic Shredding & Preparation:
  • Assist in gathering, sorting, cleaning and shredding plastic materials to prepare them for 3D printing
  • Monitor and maintain shredding and drying equipment to ensure proper functionality and safety
  • Work with the research team to identify and test different types of plastics for optimal system performance
  • Partner with ReStore teams on process improvements
3D Printing & Prototyping:
  • Operate 3D printers to create prototypes and finished products from recycled plastic flakes
  • Monitor 3D printing processes, ensuring quality control, proper layering and material consistency
  • Assist in testing and evaluating the functionality of printed home goods
Data Collection & Analysis:
  • Record and track material inputs, print results, and product outcomes for analysis
  • Conduct performance tests on printed products including durability, design integrity and usability
  • Provide feedback and suggestions for improving recycling and manufacturing processes
  • Maintain training and sales reports as well as plastic waste reuse data and reporting
Sustainability & Innovation:
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions to develop new product ideas and solutions that promote sustainability
  • Coordinate and lead training sessions with ReStore staff members
  • Assist with research on alternative sustainable materials and techniques to improve product offerings
  • Support efforts to document and report on lab progress towards achieving net-zero waste goals
Lab Maintenance & Safety:
  • Help maintain a clean safe and organized work environment
  • Ensure all safety protocols are followed while operating machinery and handling materials

MINIMUM SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • A passion for sustainability, recycling and/or manufacturing processes
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as a part of a collaborative team
  • Strong communication and customer service skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Enrolled in a degree program (or recent graduate) in Manufacturing, Applied Technologies, Engineering, Materials Science, Public & Social Service, Environmental Science, Conservation, Sustainability, Business or related field
  • Basic understanding of 3D printing technologies (experience working with 3D printers a plus)
  • Familiarity with CAD software or design tools

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
While performing the duties of this role, the employee is required to spend the majority of the day on their feet; required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects tools or controls. They will reach with arms and hands, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs. Specific vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus are required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to prevailing weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to noisy.
  
Austin Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the
policy of equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, career advancement, and all other employment practices.
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