Manager of Makerspace and Fabrication Labs

Lamar University; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Lamar University is seeking a Manager of Makerspace and Fabrication Labs to oversee daily operations, safety, and training in the university's Makerspace and fabrication facilities. The role includes supervision of student workers, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and providing technical guidance for teaching and research activities.

The position emphasizes safe operations, policy compliance, and collaboration with faculty to support instructional and research projects within a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)-related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a fabrication, makerspace, machine shop, or similar technical environment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory and shop safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer program content for Makerspace fabrication activities.
• Conduct individual and group training on safe use of equipment.
• Supervise student workers, assign workloads, and ensure policy compliance.
• Maintain equipment, facilities, and inventory; implement maintenance schedules.
• Coordinate with EHS and Risk Management on safety and compliance.
• Support faculty through instructional and research equipment access.

Skills

Makerspace operations

Safety training

Student supervision

Technical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's in STEM

Two+ years fabrication exp.

Tools

HAAS CNC

Shop equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager of Makerspace and Fabrication Labs supports teaching and experiential learning through the safe and effective operation of Lamar University's Makerspace and fabrication facilities. The position manages day-to-day Makerspace operations, equipment maintenance and access, student-worker activities, inventory, safety practices, and training programs related to digital and manual fabrication. The Manager provides technical guidance and instruction to students, faculty, and staff; supports instructional and research activities; and ensures fabrication equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe, organized, and operational condition.

Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Essential Job Functions

Makerspace Programming, Training and Student Engagement:

• Create and administer programmatic content centered around Makerspace fabrication equipment.
• Conduct individual and group training sessions on the safe and appropriate use of Makerspace equipment.
• Conduct student-centered events promoting the Makerspace and its resources.
• Evaluate new equipment and programs that align with the needs of the campus community.
• Advise students regarding equipment use and appropriate safety precautions.
• Ensure users receive appropriate training and authorization before independently operating Makerspace equipment.

Student Worker Supervision:

• Provide direct supervision of student workers, including coaching, performance management, and development.
• Plan and assign workloads and provide day-to-day oversight of student-worker activities.
• Ensure student workers adhere to applicable university, departmental, safety, and operational policies and procedures.

Equipment, Facility, and Inventory Operations:

• Maintain, clean, schedule, and ensure the operational condition of equipment within the Makerspace and affiliated areas.
• Establish and maintain appropriate safety precautions for Makerspace equipment and facilities.
• Create and maintain operational service manuals and regular equipment-maintenance schedules.
• Manage and safeguard inventory, consumables, supplies, and equipment.
• Perform fixed-asset inventory checks as required.

Facility Access, Safety and Compliance:

• Manage access to the Makerspace in the Science & Technology Building and its secure rooms in a compliant and systematic manner.
• Coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Risk Management regarding inspections, safety requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain appropriate access controls and safety procedures for Makerspace facilities and equipment.

Faculty Instructional and Research Support:

• Provide laboratory and fabrication support for faculty performing instructional and research activities.
• Assist with access to appropriate equipment and Makerspace resources in support of instructional and research projects.
• Facilitate the availability of consumables, equipment, and other materials necessary to support faculty activities.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)-related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a fabrication, makerspace, machine shop, or similar technical environment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory and shop safety practices.

Desired Qualifications:

• Degree in an engineering or technology-related field.
• Hands-on experience with HAAS CNC equipment.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience, including training others in the use of equipment.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to safely operate manufacturing and fabrication equipment, including lathes, mills, CNC equipment, grinders, shapers, drill presses, MIG/TIG welding equipment, plasma tables, and related equipment.
• Technical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment and operational issues independently.
• Knowledge of training programs and effective instructional methods.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Knowledge of laboratory, fabrication, and shop safety requirements and practices.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty and students on instructional and research projects.
• Ability to maintain a safe, organized, and active makerspace environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.

Physical Requirements: With or without accommodation, this position requires the performance of physical tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of equipment in a fabrication shop. Some activities may require working outdoors in full sun, rain, heat, or cold. The position also frequently requires desk-based computer work, telephone use, clear verbal communication, and adequate listening comprehension. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and perform physical activities including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing, and walking between buildings.

Job Conditions: This position may require occasional evening and/or weekends to meet university and departmental needs.

Who We Are

Home to more than 18,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 120-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University strives to educate leaders, demonstrate excellence in student learning and career readiness, and pursue research with relevance.

Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.

Benefits

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents
• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Benefits - Lamar University

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.