Makerspace Engineer

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Makerspace Engineer at William & Mary supports operation, maintenance, and growth of the university's makerspaces. You will provide hands-on training, courses, and workshops while mentoring student engineers and collaborating with faculty to advance innovation and experiential learning.

Strong technical skills in digital fabrication, prototyping, and machine shop operations are required, with experience in laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, and CAD/CAM software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; equivalent combos may be considered.
• Experience operating and maintaining fabrication equipment and safety practices.
• Ability to teach, mentor, and communicate technical concepts to diverse users.
• Strong organizational and customer-service skills; collaborative work style.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver hands-on workshops and training in fabrication techniques.
• Teach courses and mentor student engineers in projects and capstones.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair makerspace equipment; ensure safety.
• Lead operations, training, and support for student engineers in the spaces.
• Support program development, scheduling, and inventory within the makerspaces.

Skills

Teaching

Safety training

Communication

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM

Laser cutting

CNC machining

Welding & metalworking

Job description

Job Requisition

JR102122 Makerspace Engineer (Open)

Job Posting Title

Makerspace Engineer

Department

CC00102 WM001 | CDSP | Applied Science Dept

Job Family

Staff - Instructional Development & Design

Worker Sub-Type

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location

Integrated Science Center

Primary Job Posting Location

Posting Location - William & Mary

Job 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 makerspaces 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Industrial Design, Architecture, STEM Education, ora relatedtechnical field.
• Any equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Experienceoperatingand maintaining fabrication equipment.
• Knowledgeofshops,laboratories, or makerspace safety practices.
• Demonstrated ability to enforce safety procedures andmaintaina 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, andcustomer-serviceskills.
• 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 troubleshooting
  • Industrial automation, mechatronics, or machine integration
• Prior 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.
• Expertisein multiple fabrication disciplines, including Advanced CNC machining, TIG/MIG welding and Electronics and embedded systems
• Experience supervising student employees, interns, technicians, or teaching assistants.
• Experience managing facility operations, scheduling, inventory, budgets, or equipment procurement

Conditions 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.

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 experience

Additional Job Description

JP0480 - Instructional Designer - Exempt - Salary - S11

Compensation Grade

S11

Recruiting Start Date

2026-09-26

Position Restrictions

Continuing E&G funded position and not term‑limited

EEO is the Law

EEO 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-illegal

Background 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.