Makerspace Technician
Chapman University
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Job summary
Chapman University seeks a part-time Makerspace Technician to support the Design / Create / Innovate Lab (DCI Lab) and instructional facilities in Swenson Hall of Engineering. You will set up, operate, and maintain fabrication equipment and mentor students and staff in safe, effective use of tools.
Under supervision, you will inventory supplies, oversee 3D printing and equipment usage, and help sustain a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for projects and coursework.
Qualifications
- Associate degree or trade cert in a related technical field; bachelor’s preferred.
- Experience setting up, programming, and operating CNC machines.
- Proficiency in CAD and fabrication software.
- Experience with 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking equipment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented and organized.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical and operational support for the DCI Lab makerspace and instructional facilities.
- Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain equipment (CNC, 3D printers, laser cutters, tools).
- Oversee and support 3D printing workflow including models, g-code, and slicer settings.
- Maintain inventory, documents, and safety procedures; assist in training users.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Makerspace Technician
Regular
SA95624
part-time 20-29 hours weekly
Non-Exempt
$23.00 - $27.00
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
The rapidly growing Dale E. and Sarah AnnFowler School of Engineering ( FSE ) seeks highly motivated colleagues to help build Chapman University’s newest school. Opened in the Fall of 2019, FSE offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, along with a new graduate program, a MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The School also offers several interdisciplinary minors and themed programs which allow students from across other Chapman programs to explore engineering.
FSE is housed in the new Swenson Family Hall of Engineering , a cutting-edge facility that supports student learning, campus-wide project activities, and faculty-led research. Within Swenson Hall is an open-access makerspace, the Design / Create/ Innovate Lab ( DCI ), consisting of four rooms that house a wide variety of low and high-end fabrication equipment. The DCI Lab supports academic and personal projects and welcomes individuals from all levels of making, design, and innovation experience. A goal of the lab is to encourage an inclusive and supportive community of makers across the entire campus community who want to become more familiar with the tools and resources in the spaces. In addition to the DCI Lab, FSE has two instructional labs: the Signals and Cyber Lab and the Circuits and Structures Lab.
FSE invites applications for a part-time Makerspace Technician position and seeks an individual passionate about technology and its implications for making and improving access to it.
Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Labs and Makerspaces, the Makerspace Technician will ensure the smooth operation of equipment within the Fowler School of Engineering’s Design / Create / Innovate ( DCI ) Lab makerspace and instructional labs. The primary responsibility of the Makerspace Technician is to set up, operate, troubleshoot, repair, and perform routine and preventive maintenance on equipment. This includes following training, safety, and operating protocols and assisting in their development where needed. The Makerspace Technician will also provide support and mentorship to students, staff, and faculty on course-related projects, engineering-specific extracurricular activities, academic research related to fabrication, and projects requiring assistance with manual or CNC metalworking. Collaborate with staff and student workers to maintain inventory of supplies and equipment in both the DCI Lab, stock rooms, and other laboratory spaces. Other responsibilities include general lab upkeep (cleaning, sanitization), overseeing 3D printer usage and maintenance, inventory management and organization, supporting program curricula, training users on safe and proper equipment operation and best practices, monitoring equipment usage for safety according to SOP, and implementing lab improvements in organization, hazardous material storage, and disposal.
This role requires an exceptionally detail-oriented self-starter who is proactive and able to independently develop, coordinate, and execute projects, both independently and within a team environment. Serves on school and university committees as requested.
- Through excellent customer service and efficiency, provide technical and operational support for the Fowler School of Engineering’s Design / Create / Innovate Lab makerspace and instructional facilities.
- Troubleshoot, repair, and perform basic maintenance on equipment, including but not limited to CO2 laser cutters, MOPALaser Engraver, FDM 3D printers, Resin 3D printers, SLS 3D printers, vinyl printer/cutters, various woodworking power tools,CNC machines, and other similar equipment.
- Oversee and support 3D printing by checking 3D model files,g-code, slicer settings, laser cutting, and vetting files for errors prior to authorizing print jobs.
- Organize and manage documentation on equipment, instruments, supplies, and chemicals.
- Maintain and order inventory of supplies and equipment. Confirm delivery and receipt of purchased items. Work closely with contractors and vendors to ensure invoice and delivery notice information is accurate.
- Regularly meet with supervisor, faculty, and staff to review equipment, tools, and materials for makerspace and instructional lab needs.
- Track and maintain database of lab members’ training and access and follow up as needed to ensure all member training is complete.
- Maintain database of e-waste and hazardous waste. Collaborate with appropriate staff on their safe storage and disposal.
- Serve as backup cashier and provide support of the Point-of-Sale system to process transactions of materials and parts sold in the makerspaces and stockroom.
- Work with faculty and staff to ensure instructional labs, makerspaces, and stockrooms are clean, functional, organized, safe, and usable daily.
- Follow all safety policies, procedures, and programs; act as a responsible party for individual safety and the safety of others. Participate in the development and implementation of training materials and safety standards.
- Support students and faculty in course-related projects, engineering-specific extracurricular activities, and academic research related to the manufacturing/making facilities and programs.
- Assist in training and supervising student employees.
- Foster student activities and engagement with makerspace resources by developing partnerships with individual students, student clubs and organizations, faculty, staff, and campus partners at varying skill levels and expertise.
- Provide backup support in the facilitation of programs, workshops, and events (with selected evening and weekend hours as needed).
- Create a positive and welcoming environment for users of all backgrounds and skill levels.
- Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.
- Associate’s degree or trade certification in a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant trade skills/experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience setting up, programming, and operating CNC machines.
- Proficiency in computer-aided design using digital modeling and fabrication software.
- Familiarity with prototyping equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking equipment.
- Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and applications needed for the position.
- Highly flexible, adaptable with ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to convey accurate information in a professional manner, with the ability to interact with diverse individuals and groups at all organizational levels.
- Proven competence in problem-solving, work agility, attention to detail and prioritization.
- Computer literacy with proficiency and working knowledge of database and reporting tools including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Ability to learn, demonstrate and enforce proper health and safety procedures and regulations.
- Highly organized, resourceful, and creative with the ability to plan and coordinate multiple priorities and deliver assignments on time.
- Ability to perform general clerical functions critical to the maintenance and efficiency of the facilities and equipment.
- Experience with printed circuit board ( PCB ) design and fabrication.
- Experience supervising, training, and providing guidance in the safe and effective use and operation of equipment.
- Demonstrated mechanical/electrical aptitude, corroborated by work history.
This position reports to the Assistant Director of Labs and Makerspaces and is part of a team of faculty and staff who are committed to the student experience. May supervise student employees. Application review will begin immediately and may close at any time without prior notice.
The position is expected to begin in Fall 2026. Due to the responsibilities and daily demands of the position, the candidate must be available to work fully on-site. The DCI Lab is generally open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the academic year and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the summer term. Operating hours are subject to change based on business and operational needs. This is a part-time position, and employees should have the flexibility to work varying schedules within the Lab’s operating hours. Alternative work schedules may be considered based on business needs and staffing requirements.
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
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