Makerspace Engineer & Technical Trainer

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

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