Fabrication Shop Manager — Exhibits & Learning

KID Museum; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

KID Museum in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Shop Manager to lead the fabrication shop, maintain tools, organize materials, and train staff. The role supports the Program team in designing, fabricating, and maintaining interactive exhibits for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore.

You will manage budgets and inventory, enforce safety standards in shop spaces, and collaborate with the Directors and Program staff to deliver engaging, safe experiences for visitors.

Qualifications

• BA in related field or equivalent fabrication experience.
• Advanced proficiency with woodshop equipment.
• Demonstrated safe habits in shared shop environments, including tools and workspace organization.
• Demonstrated proficiency in managing budgets and coordinating multiple projects.
• Experience with CAD and CAM processes and ability to learn new software.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient staff workshop in partnership with the Program team.
• Manage shop material inventory and track material consumption.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards in shared shop environments, focusing on tools, equipment, and materials.
• Manage shop budget and track expenses in partnership with the Director of Programs.
• Research, source, and procure materials and tools needed for fabrication projects.
• Repair, upgrade, and remix existing exhibits and programmatic interactives to keep installations safe and engaging.
• Collaborate on ideation, design, prototyping, and fabrication of new interactives.
• Train and mentor Museum staff in maker/shop skills for fabrication of exhibits and teaching tools.
• Assist Program team with design and fabrication of interactives and teaching tools as needed.
• Train Program team members to assist with exhibit maintenance and routine repairs.
• Support artists, makers, and community partners on projects that enrich KID programming.

Skills

Woodshop equipment proficiency

Budget management

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Staff training

Education

B.A. in Industrial Design / Product Design / Mechanical Engineering or related fabrication experience

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Laser cutter

3D printer

Job description

KID Museum in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Shop Manager to lead the fabrication shop, maintain tools, organize materials, and train staff. The role supports the Program team in designing, fabricating, and maintaining interactive exhibits for Maker Playground, school field trips, and Open Explore.

You will manage budgets and inventory, enforce safety standards in shop spaces, and collaborate with the Directors and Program staff to deliver engaging, safe experiences for visitors.