Mechanical Engineering Lab Lead & Makerspace Technician

Hastings Center, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

PTO & Holidays

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Commuter benefits

Vibrant culture

Job summary

Howard University seeks a Mechanical Engineering Lab Manager/Makerspace Technician to oversee the operation and safety of the department’s machine shop, instructional spaces, and CEA makerspace. You will support instruction, research, and student projects, while supervising assistants and ensuring safe practices.

You will coordinate equipment maintenance, calibrations, and repairs, and collaborate with faculty to set up laboratory courses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 2–5 years of lab management, machine shop operations, or equipment maintenance.
• Alternatively, 10 years of progressively responsible related work experience may substitute for educational qualifications.
• Strong knowledge of safety protocols, compliance, and risk management in educational/research settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for lab instruction, research activities, student projects, and makerspace operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, facilitate equipment procurement and repairs, and supervise student assistants and student use of facilities.
• Collaborate with faculty to prepare, set up, and deliver laboratory courses.
• Conduct routine maintenance, calibrations, and inspections of facilities and equipment.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain CNC machines, 3D printers, wind tunnels, and other testing equipment.
• Manage the department machine shop and the makerspace lab; oversee student design/build activities.
• Provide comprehensive training and certification on safe operation of makerspace and machine shop equipment.
• Assist in assessment of space, equipment needs, and requirements.

Skills

Machine shop operations

CNC machines

3D printing

CAD/CAM

Safety compliance

Staff supervision

Training & certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

10 years related experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Autodesk Fusion

Microsoft Office

Inventory management systems

Job description

Howard University seeks a Mechanical Engineering Lab Manager/Makerspace Technician to oversee the operation and safety of the department’s machine shop, instructional spaces, and CEA makerspace. You will support instruction, research, and student projects, while supervising assistants and ensuring safe practices.

You will coordinate equipment maintenance, calibrations, and repairs, and collaborate with faculty to set up laboratory courses.