QI Lead Makerspace Engineer - 140984

San Diego Supercomputer Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Qualcomm Institute seeks a Lead Makerspace Engineer to guide design and fabrication efforts, manage the metal and CNC workshop spaces, and ensure safety and accessibility for campus users.

You will train junior staff, provide expert technical services on a recharge basis, and collaborate with the Director to shape lab objectives and goals. This 100% appointment may require some weekends and evenings and involves handling hazardous materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience with machine tools (CNC mill, lathe, drill press, band saw).
• Knowledge of 3D printing, laser cutting, CAD/CAM, electronics and embedded systems.
• Strong engineering principles and ability to work independently on designs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to interact with a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate parts using a variety of processes.
• Manage and maintain the metal and CNC workshop spaces; ensure safety and accessibility.
• Provide expert technical advice and design/manufacturing services on a recharge basis.
• Train junior staff and student interns; oversee student employees.
• Collaborate with Director to develop lab objectives and goals.

Skills

Machining

3D printing

CAD/CAM

Electronics design

Communication

Leadership

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CNC Milling

CNC Lathe

LaserCAM

3D CAD/CAM

MIG/TIG welding

Job description

Payroll Title
RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX
Department
QUALCOMM INSTITUTE
Hiring Pay Scale
$100,000 - $128,000 / Year
Worksite
Campus
Appointment Type
Career
Appointment Percent
100%
Union
TX Contract
Total Openings
1
Work Schedule
Days, 8 hrs/day
#140984 QI Lead Makerspace Engineer
Filing Deadline: Mon 9/7/2026
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
Job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Description

The Lead Makerspace Engineer serves as an advisor and consultant in designing and fabricating parts using a wide variety of processes. Manages the metal and CNC workshop spaces which are open to the campus community and others. Ensures that the space is safe, functional and easily accessible by new users, through the creation and improvement of training content, safety rules and clear user policies.

Maintains, modifies and tests the equipment, as needed. Provides expert technical advice to shop users and student staff, and provides design and manufacturing services for internal and external clients on a recharge basis, as required. In collaboration with Director, participates in the development of lab objectives and goals.

Trains junior staff and student interns on new equipment, projects, lab maintenance activities and safety requirements. Oversees and directs student employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong skill in machining and setting up/calibrating a variety of machining equipment. Demonstrated experience using Machine Tools, including but not limited to CNC Mill, Lathe, Drill Press, Band Saw, Pan Box Break, LaserCAM.
• Excellent demonstrated knowledge of 3D printing, laser cutting, 2D and 3D CAD and CAM, electronics circuit design and embedded systems, manual and CNC machining, MIG and TIG welding, woodworking, and composites.
• Thorough knowledge and experience with engineering principles and methods to independently perform the full range of engineering professional design work.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to effectively communicate and interact with a diverse staff including academics, faculty, technical researchers, grad and undergraduate students and outside industry and vendors.
• Thorough knowledge necessary to apply principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments.
• Demonstrated organizational and decision-making abilities to prioritize competing work assignments in order to meet deadlines and adherence to quality standards.
• Strong analytical and judgement skills to independently conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and recommend resolutions.
• Ability to lead and influence others.

Special Conditions

• Some weekends and evenings will be required.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials and equipment.
• Job offer is contingent on clear Background Check.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: