Location: Kottivakkam, Chennai
Working Days: Monday to Saturday
Working Hours: 10 am to 7 pm
Festivals From India is hiring on behalf of their client, Chennai Photo Biennale, who is looking for a Tinkering & Innovation Fellow. The ideal candidate is curious and a hands-on problem solver to work on a diverse range of projects focused on experimentation, restoration, and innovation. This role involves restoring vintage equipment, designing and fabricating custom tools, troubleshooting analogue systems, prototyping new products, and improving equipment used throughout the lab. The work is practical, varied, and often open-ended, requiring someone who enjoys investigating challenges, experimenting with ideas, documenting outcomes, and continuously refining solutions.
They will have a maker's mindset and a background in engineering, product design, architecture, fabrication, electronics, photography, or a related field. While experience with analogue photography is not essential, a genuine curiosity, strong initiative, and a passion for learning and building are key to succeeding in this role. We welcome candidates from diverse educational backgrounds who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills.
About Chennai Photo Biennale:
Chennai Photo Biennale (CPB) is a non-profit arts organisation dedicated to fostering photography, visual culture, and public engagement with contemporary art in India. Established in 2015, CPB creates platforms for artists, photographers, curators, and cultural practitioners through exhibitions, festivals, educational programmes, workshops, publications, and community initiatives. Its flagship event, the Chennai Photo Biennale, is an international photography festival that brings together diverse voices and artistic practices from India and around the world. Through its various programmes, including CPB Foundation and CPB Darkroom, the organisation aims to nurture creative talent, encourage critical dialogue, and make visual arts more accessible to wider audiences.
Please note:
- The vetting process for this role comprises 2-3 rounds of interviews and may be followed by a brief assignment.
- Festivals From India is hiring for this role on behalf of our client.
- This is an on-site, full-time position based in Chennai.
Essential Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation, Product Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, Photography, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related discipline.
- A genuine interest in making, building, restoring, and experimenting with physical objects and systems.
Essential Experience:
- Experience in building, repairing, restoring, fabricating, prototyping, or modifying products, equipment, or mechanical systems.
- Hands-on experience using workshop tools, hand tools, and fabrication equipment.
- Familiarity with mechanical assembly, repair, or maintenance.
- Basic knowledge of electronics, wiring, soldering, or troubleshooting.
- Experience with product prototyping, fabrication, or maker projects.
- Exposure to 3D modelling, 3D printing, or CAD software is desirable.
- Experience conducting research, documenting processes, and testing prototypes.
- Interest or experience in photography, cameras, optics, or imaging systems is an advantage.
Key Personal Attributes & Skills:
- Naturally curious with a passion for understanding how things work.
- Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills.
- Hands-on, resourceful, and comfortable working with tools, equipment, and prototypes.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently on open-ended projects.
- Patient, methodical, and highly detail-oriented.
- Creative thinker with a willingness to experiment, iterate, and learn through trial and error.
- Strong observational, documentation, and organisational skills.
- Adaptable and eager to learn new techniques, technologies, and disciplines.
- Able to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
- Collaborative team player with effective communication skills.
- Enthusiastic about tackling unconventional challenges and exploring innovative solutions.
Key Roles/Responsibilities:
Equipment Restoration & Refurbishment
- Restore and refurbish enlargers and darkroom equipment
- Test, troubleshoot, and repair analogue projectors
- Assist with the restoration and maintenance of cameras and lenses
- Help organise, catalogue, and maintain equipment used across the darkroom
- Document repair processes and maintenance procedures
Product Development & Innovation
- Assist in the development and testing of new products and tools for photographers and darkroom users
- Prototype accessories, workflow improvements, and educational tools
- Assist in product research, testing, documentation, and refinement
- Support the exploration of new products, services, and offerings for the analogue photography community.
3D Design & Fabrication
- Design custom components, replacement parts, and accessories
- Create and refine prototypes using 3D printing and other fabrication techniques
- Test and improve designs through multiple iterations
- Assist in developing low-volume products and solutions for internal and community use
Research & Experimentation
- Research historical photographic equipment and workflows
- Explore alternative process tools, equipment, and educational kits
- Conduct practical testing and document findings
- Assist in evaluating new ideas for workshops, products, and community offerings.
Documentation & Knowledge Building
- Maintain organised records of projects, experiments, and outcomes
- Document both successes and failures
- Create simple guides, notes, and instructions that can support future projects
- Contribute to future workshops, educational resources, and product-development initiatives
Pay: ₹15,000.00 - ₹20,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person
