Makerspace Program Coordinator

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Makerspace Program Coordinator will be responsible for developing and leading makerspace classes and seminars on subject matter such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking, utilizing equipment in the Moody Center for the Arts Workshop and Makerspace. Assists students with a wide range of fabrication and design challenges, answering first-line questions and ensuring proper safety procedures are followed.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, engaging instructor who can confidently lead hands-on classes in areas such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and woodworking, translating technical processes into clear, accessible learning experiences. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety, proactively enforcing protocols and fostering a culture of responsibility within a shared workshop environment. With strong, well-rounded makerspace acumen, they are adept at troubleshooting fabrication challenges and supporting students, faculty, and artists across a wide range of design and production needs.

Workplace Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and safely navigate in and around active workshop environments, including proximity to fabrication equipment and tools.

Workplace Location

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a hiring salary of $58,000 -$60,000 annually. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 2+ years of experience in a workshop or makerspace setting utilizing 3D modeling, woodworking, and metalworking
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Proficiency with applicable specialized software, equipment, tools, and machinery
• Excellent interpersonal skills to teach, guide, and work with students
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Prior experience and knowledge in safety and maintenance of an innovative, specialized lab
• Ability to work independently and coordinate a wide range of faculty, staff, students, and visitors
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to diagnose equipment issues
• Passion for the arts, education, and student engagement

Preferences

• 3D printing experience and knowledge of FDM and SLA consumer-level machines
• CNC router experience
• CNC machining experience
• Knowledge of Vectric software
• Laser cutting and vinyl cutting experience

Essential Functions

• Leads undergraduate and graduate student classes and seminars on subject matter such as woodworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting
• Interacts with and takes direction from the Workshop Director to ensure adequate preparation and supplies are available for use
• Develops new curriculum and expands existing curriculum for Rice student classes utilizing equipment in the Moody Center Workshop and Makerspace
• Ensures all safety measures and protocols are observed during classroom instruction
• Completes and files incident reports as needed
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the lab, workshop, studio, or makerspace, including all equipment and machinery
• Provides continuity, expertise, and supervision to students, assisting them in resolving design and technical problems, equipment use, and understanding available resources
• Responsible for lab equipment, materials, and supplies, including cleanliness, maintenance, operation, inventory (life cycle and replacement schedule), and procurement
• Supervises student workers
• Works with IT to generate and load specialty software, as applicable
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Works with the Senior Director of Exhibitions, Preparator, and visiting artists on fabrication projects related to Moody exhibitions and programs
• Exhibits a welcoming and patient teaching style for students of all knowledge levels
• Assists Rice students with a wide range of fabrication and design problems and answers first-line questions
• Mentors students in designing and implementing projects, including the use of materials, design methods, and repairs
• Provides general support to faculty, including assistance with teaching preparation, provision of materials, and equipment usage
• Leads safety orientation sessions for students, faculty, and staff prior to their use of equipment
• Works collaboratively with faculty and visiting artists to support their fabrication needs and assist them in achieving their project goals