The Makerspace Specialist manages daily operations of the FYELIC, ensuring safety and training for students and faculty while overseeing equipment maintenance and project support.
About the Opportunity
About the opportunity:The Makerspace Specialist is responsible for the safe operation of the First-Year Engineering Learning and Innovation Center Makerspace (FYELIC), overseeing daily operations, a team of student employees, the machines and equipment, and working with staff, faculty, and students who use the center. The Makerspace Specialist will act as the department safety officer and will be administratively responsible for the operations of the spaces, including procurement of materials, technical projects such as new installs, space scheduling and access, and all safety training. Also, responsible for recommending technical solutions and purchasing parts, tools, and machines to support the students, faculty, and FYELIC.Minimum Qualifications:Knowledge and skills required are normally obtained through a trade school (BS in related Engineering Field, Design or Technology Education, Master's Preferred), skill with mechanical and electrical systems and parts, and experience with student projects, preferably with design, robotics, microcontrollers, mechanical and electrical designs to solve problems, and programming for devices. Familiarity with best practices for 3-D Printing, laser cutting, benchtop CNC, power tools, and general hand tool knowledge used to help facilitate student project fabrication in STEM.Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:(40%) Department Safety• Assess and Maintain Safety Protocols Regularly evaluate safety conditions and protocols within the makerspace to ensure compliance with current Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards. Update procedures as needed to align with evolving best practices.
• Manage Safety Records and Compliance Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of safety trainings and qualified users through established control measures, including the BioRAFT Lab Safety software, to ensure proper compliance and oversight.
• Training and Supervision Develop, conduct, and update training programs for FYELIC student employees on all machinery and tools. Provide ongoing supervision and guidance to students, faculty, and staff to ensure the safe and effective use of makerspace equipment.(30%) Student Management
• Hire and Supervise Student Employees Recruit, train, and supervise student employees to support FYELIC operations and student projects.
• Ensure Safe Makerspace Operations Oversee students and student employees while they use FYELIC tools and equipment, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and proper operational procedures.
• Monitor Tool and Machine Usage Actively monitor the safe use of all tools and machines during project work to maintain a secure and productive makerspace environment.(20%) Lab Management
• Oversee Makerspace Operations Manage the daily operations of the FYELIC makerspace, ensuring all tools and equipment—including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, power tools, and hand tools—are maintained in safe, working condition.
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair Coordinate routine maintenance, perform or arrange necessary repairs, and order replacement tools or components to minimize downtime. Maintain an efficient and reliable supply chain to support FYELIC operations and student projects, ensuring materials and resources are readily available when needed.(10%) Project Support
• Working with First-year faculty and students on the design and implementation of projects – acting as a technical advisor in helping to build devices and design projects to support the first-year engineering courses. Develop workshops related to student projects to help facilitate student use of tooling required to complete their projects.Documents required:ResumeCover letter
Position Type
ResearchAdditional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
107SExpected Hiring Range:
$52,820.00 - $74,607.50With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
Top Skills
3-D Printing
Cnc
Electrical Systems
Laser Cutting
Mechanical Systems
Microcontrollers
Power Tools
Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts, USA Office
360 Huntington Ave, , , , Boston, MA , United States, 02115-5005
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