Part-time Bryan Innovation Lab Assistant

The Steward School; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Steward School in Richmond’s Bryan Innovation Lab seeks a part-time Lab Assistant to support daily operations, fabrication, and student projects. The role focuses on safety, organization, and readiness of tools, materials, and spaces, with 15–20 hours per week over a 9-month period.

You will operate and troubleshoot 3D printers, laser cutters, and woodworking equipment, assist with digital design workflows, and help teachers and students bring ideas to life through hands-on projects in a

Qualifications

• Experience with makerspace technologies or digital fabrication.
• Familiarity with 3D printing, laser cutting, CAD or vector design software, woodworking, electronics, or sewing.
• Strong troubleshooting and ability to learn unfamiliar systems and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital fabrication tools.
• Support digital design and fabrication workflows, including file preparation, machine setup, production, and finishing.
• Assist with traditional fabrication processes using woodworking tools, hand tools, sewing machines, and other shop equipment.
• Help diagnose technical issues, maintain equipment readiness, and develop equipment guides and safety documentation.
• Prepare materials, tools, and workstations for classes, workshops, and student projects.
• Assist teachers and students with fabrication techniques, material selection, equipment use, and basic troubleshooting.
• Help identify appropriate tools, materials, and processes to bring project ideas to life.

Skills

Makerspace technologies

Digital fabrication

Troubleshooting

Independent learning

Organizational skills

Tools

3D printing

Laser cutting

CAD/Vector design

Woodworking

Sewing

Job description

Reports to: Bryan Innovation Lab Staff
Hours: 15–20 hours/week; flexible schedule
Location: The Steward School, Bryan Innovation Lab

Overview

The Bryan Innovation Lab is a hands‑on learning environment where students explore design, engineering, sustainability, and creativity through interdisciplinary, project‑based learning. The Lab Assistant supports daily operations with a primary focus on fabrication technologies, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and project preparation. Working alongside the Deans, the Assistant helps ensure that tools, materials, and spaces are safe, organized, and ready to support student learning and creative work. This is a 9‑month, part‑time, non‑benefited position.

Key Responsibilities

Technology & Fabrication

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital fabrication tools.
• Support digital design and fabrication workflows, including file preparation, machine setup, production, and finishing.
• Assist with traditional fabrication processes using woodworking tools, hand tools, sewing machines, and other shop equipment.
• Help diagnose technical issues, maintain equipment readiness, and develop equipment guides and safety documentation.

Project & Instructional Support

• Prepare materials, tools, and workstations for classes, workshops, and student projects.
• Assist teachers and students with fabrication techniques, material selection, equipment use, and basic troubleshooting.
• Help identify appropriate tools, materials, and processes to bring project ideas to life.

Lab Organization & Operations

• Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces across the Lab and its associated indoor and outdoor learning areas.
• Monitor tools, materials, and consumable supplies; communicate inventory needs and assist with ordering.
• Support setup, cleanup, storage systems, and general upkeep of lab spaces.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with makerspace technologies, digital fabrication, or hands‑on technical work.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: 3D printing, laser cutting, CAD or vector design software, woodworking, electronics, or sewing.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to learn unfamiliar systems and work independently.
• Organized, reliable, detail‑oriented, and committed to safe work practices.
• Collaborative and flexible, with a willingness to contribute to both technical projects and general lab operations.

Preferred :

Experience in a makerspace, fabrication shop, design studio, or educational environment.