Makerspace Engineer

William & Mary; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary seeks a Makerspace Engineer to lead the operation and growth of its university makerspaces, providing technical expertise, hands-on training, and course support. You will mentor student engineers, supervise daily facility operations, and advance fabrication education across programs in engineering, data sciences, and physics.

The role emphasizes safe operation of laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, and related equipment, with collaboration across faculty and students to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Architecture, STEM Education, or a related technical field.
• Any equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Experience operating and maintaining fabrication equipment.
• Knowledge of shops, laboratories, or makerspace safety practices.
• Demonstrated ability to enforce safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment.
• Experience teaching, training, or mentoring students, staff, or customers in the safe and effective use of technical equipment.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to users with varying levels of experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver makerspace workshops and hands-on technical training.
• Certify students, faculty, and staff on the safe and effective operation of makerspace equipment.
• Mentor students on course projects, research, senior design, and independent engineering projects.
• Supervise and develop student engineers through technical coaching and day-to-day leadership.
• Provide expert technical guidance on fabrication methods, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturing.
• Foster a culture of engineering rigor, safety, and continuous learning within the makerspace.
• Support the daily operation of the makerspace and its advanced fabrication equipment.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for digital fabrication systems, with preferred expertise in CNC machining, laser cutting/engraving systems, and/or electrical engineering.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, and maintain fabrication equipment and associated systems.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and monitor equipment performance and reliability.
• Evaluate, install, commission, and optimize new fabrication equipment and supporting technologies.
• Provide advanced technical support to students, faculty, and staff using makerspace equipment.
• Maintain tooling, fixtures, materials, spare parts, and equipment documentation.
• Develop, implement, and enforce makerspace operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Create and maintain equipment documentation, SOPs, and certification materials.
• Conduct safety training, maintain certification records, and ensure compliance with university and regulatory requirements.
• Perform facility inspections and maintain operational, maintenance, and inventory records.
• Assist with budgeting, procurement, equipment lifecycle planning, and vendor coordination.
• Support assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance makerspace operations and user experience.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring

Communication

Safety compliance

Customer service

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related field

Tools

CAD/CAM

Laser systems

CNC machines

Electrical systems

Job description

Job Requisition:JR102122 Makerspace Engineer (Open)Job Posting Title:Makerspace EngineerDepartment:CC00102 WM001 | CDSP | Applied Science DeptJob Family:Staff - Instructional Development & DesignWorker Sub-Type:Regular (benefited)Job Requisition Primary Location:Integrated Science CenterPrimary Job Posting Location:Posting Location - William & MaryJob Description Summary:The School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics (CDSP), through its initiatives and activities, marshals the disciplinary areas involved to meet the most pressing needs of our time. The School provides a vibrant and inclusive community for faculty teaching and conducting research and for students pursuing programs in the fields of applied science, computer science, data science, and physics.The Makerspace Engineer supports the operation, maintenance, and growth of the university's makerspaces by providing technical expertise, instruction, and operational leadership. This position delivers hands-on training and workshops, supports courses and student projects, maintains and repairs fabrication equipment, and promotes the safe and effective use of makerspace resources. The Makerspace Engineer also mentor’s student engineers, supports daily facility operations, and collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to advance innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning. Candidates should have experience with digital fabrication, prototyping, manufacturing, or machine shop operations and a passion for teaching and supporting a diverse academic community.The Makerspace Engineer supports the Director in the operation, maintenance, instruction, and continued development of the university's makerspaces. Additionally, the makerspace engineer helps lead the makerspace student engineers in operations, training and support. Responsibilities include teaching and supporting hands-on courses and workshops; training students, faculty, and staff in the safe and effective use of fabrication equipment; maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing makerspace equipment; supervising facility operations; developing educational programming and outreach activities; and supporting student design, research, entrepreneurial, and capstone projects.The successful candidate will possess strong technical skills in one or more areas of digital fabrication, prototyping, manufacturing, or machine shop operations. Desired experience includes operation and maintenance of equipment such as laser cutters, CNC routers and mills, additive manufacturing systems (3D printers), woodworking machinery, welding and metalworking equipment, electronics prototyping tools, and associated design software (e.g., CAD/CAM). Candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach technical concepts, mentor student project teams, troubleshoot complex equipment, and maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment. Experience with makerspace, laboratories, shop, or educational facility operations is highly desirable.Job Description:Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Architecture, STEM Education, or a related technical field.Any equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, and relevant professional experience may be considered.Experience operating and maintaining fabrication equipment.Knowledge of shops, laboratories, or makerspace safety practices.Demonstrated ability to enforce safety procedures and maintain a safe working environment.Experience teaching, training, or mentoring students, staff, or customers in the safe and effective use of technical equipment.Ability to communicate technical concepts to users with varying levels of experience.Strong organizational, communication, and customer-service skills.Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.Preferred Qualifications:Technical Background: Demonstrated experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and operating advanced fabrication equipment. Strong preference for candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:CNC machining (routers, mills, lathes, or CAM workflows)Laser cutting and engraving systems (CO₂ and/or fiber lasers)Electrical engineering or electromechanical systems, including machine controls, motion systems, sensors, and low-voltage troubleshootingIndustrial automation, mechatronics, or machine integrationPrior experience working in a university makerspace, fabrication laboratory, machine shop, innovation center, or STEM education environment.Experience developing workshops, training programs, or experiential learning opportunities.Expertise in multiple fabrication disciplines, including Advanced CNC machining, TIG/MIG welding and Electronics and embedded systemsExperience supervising student employees, interns, technicians, or teaching assistants.Experience managing facility operations, scheduling, inventory, budgets, or equipment procurementConditions of Employment:This position may require additional hours beyond the typical 40-hour work week, to include occasional evening, night and weekend work, as needed to meet the business needs of the operation.The employee must be able to safely perform the physical demands associated with operating and maintaining engineering laboratories and makerspaces. Duties include frequently standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing ladders or step stools, working above and below equipment, and occasionally crawling into confined spaces to inspect, maintain, or repair equipment.The position requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects and equipment weighing up to 60 pounds; moving tools, materials, furniture, and machinery; and using manual dexterity to operate computers, precision instruments, hand tools, and power tools.The employee must have sufficient visual acuity to inspect equipment, identify hazards, and perform detailed mechanical and electrical work. The work environment includes exposure to fabrication equipment, moving mechanical parts, noise, dust, fumes, and other shop-related conditions requiring adherence to established safety procedures and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.Duties:35% – Student Instruction, Training, and Mentoring:Develop and deliver makerspace workshops and hands-on technical training.Certify students, faculty, and staff on the safe and effective operation of makerspace equipment.Mentor students on course projects, research, senior design, and independent engineering projects.Supervise and develop student engineers through technical coaching and day-to-day leadership.Provide expert technical guidance on fabrication methods, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturing.Foster a culture of engineering rigor, safety, and continuous learning within the makerspace.35% – Technical Operations, Equipment Maintenance, and Engineering Support:Support the daily operation of the makerspace and its advanced fabrication equipment.Serve as the primary technical resource for digital fabrication systems, with preferred expertise in CNC machining, laser cutting/engraving systems, and/or electrical engineering.Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, and maintain fabrication equipment and associated systems.Develop preventive maintenance schedules and monitor equipment performance and reliability.Evaluate, install, commission, and optimize new fabrication equipment and supporting technologies.Provide advanced technical support to students, faculty, and staff using makerspace equipment.Maintain tooling, fixtures, materials, spare parts, and equipment documentation.30% – Administration, Safety, and Program Development:Develop, implement, and enforce makerspace operating procedures and safety protocols.Create and maintain equipment documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and certification materials.Conduct safety training, maintain certification records, and ensure compliance with university and regulatory requirements.Perform facility inspections and maintain operational, maintenance, and inventory records.Assist with budgeting, procurement, equipment lifecycle planning, and vendor coordination.Support assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance makerspace operations and user experience.Posting Range: Up to $78,000 commensurate with experienceAdditional Job Description:Job Profile:JP0480 - Instructional Designer - Exempt - Salary - S11Qualifications:Compensation Grade:S11Recruiting Start Date:2026-09-26Position Restrictions:Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limitedEEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the \"Know Your Rights\" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https:// www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegalBackground Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.Applicant Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to William & Mary's use, review, and retention of your application materials for recruitment and employment purposes. Materials may be shared with authorized individuals participating in the hiring process and will be managed in accordance with applicable laws and university policies.Probationary Period Notice: Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.