Fabrication Shop Manager & Maker Lab Lead

Jobless; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

KID Museum in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Shop Manager responsible for day-to-day shop operations, tool maintenance, staff training, and supporting fabrication of interactives for Maker Playground and Open Explore. This role also handles shop maintenance and budget/inventory tasks to support the Programs team.

You will collaborate with senior staff to design and fabricate new exhibits, mentor staff, and ensure shop safety. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• BA in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Advanced proficiency with woodshop equipment.
• Demonstrated safe habits and practices in shared shop environments.
• Experience with budgets and coordinating multiple projects.
• Experience with CAD and CAM processes, and ability to learn new software as needed.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Excellent written and visual communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license with experience and ability to drive large vans.

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, with a focus 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, engaging, and impactful for visitors.
• Collaborate on ideation, design, prototyping, and fabrication of new interactives to deliver fresh and enjoyable experiences for visitors.
• Train and mentor Museum staff in maker/shop skills essential to the fabrication of new exhibits and teaching tools.
• Assist Program team members with the design and fabrication of interactives and teaching tools as needed.
• Train members of the Program team to assist with regular exhibit maintenance and routine repairs.
• When applicable, support artists, makers, and community partners on projects that enrich KID programming.

Skills

Woodshop proficiency

Budget coordination

Project management

CAD/CAM knowledge

Communication skills

Education

B.A. in Industrial Design or related field

Tools

CAD software

CAM software

Laser cutter

3D printer

Job description

KID Museum in Bethesda, MD is seeking a Shop Manager responsible for day-to-day shop operations, tool maintenance, staff training, and supporting fabrication of interactives for Maker Playground and Open Explore. This role also handles shop maintenance and budget/inventory tasks to support the Programs team.

You will collaborate with senior staff to design and fabricate new exhibits, mentor staff, and ensure shop safety. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and benefits package.