Makerspace Technician 3

About the Department

Ground Floor Makerspace
Our mission is to empower creative problem solvers. We accomplish this by providing training, access to shared equipment, and resources that support the full journey from ideation to creation. We serve a wide range of adult makers pursuing academic, research, entrepreneurial, and personal projects.

We offer three core services: membership, experiential making programs, and prototyping services. Through these offerings, we support innovation and impact across our city and region by providing low-cost access to a comprehensive community workshop.

Located in the 1819 Innovation Hub, we are part of a collaborative community of creatives, engineers, educators, and entrepreneurs dedicated to defining a new era of innovation and impact at the University of Cincinnati.

Job Overview

The Office of Innovation is excited to announce a career opening in the UC Makerspace: Makerspace Technician 3. Reporting to the Makerspace Director, the Technician 3 will lead the in-person DIY prototyping lab within the UC Makerspace and operate the 3D printing services, including FFF/FDM, SLA, SLS, and bound metal deposition technologies. Supported by a team of student workers, this role requires a strong blend of interpersonal and technical expertise, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and people concurrently. Core technical expertise in 3d printing and laser cutting is essential. Also in the purview of this role is a range of makerspace tools such as graphics printing, textiles and sewing, electronics and microcontrollers, vacuum forming, finishing, 3d scanning, and low fidelity prototyping.

Our ideal candidate is committed to experiential education through formal or informal teaching, possesses expertise across a wide range of makerspace prototyping tools and methods, and acts as a responsible steward of access to shared resources - helping ensure that all Bearcats can engage with our world-class makerspace. The Technician 3 will inherit a robust catalog of equipment certification programs and workshops and will contribute to the development of new learning experiences as well as the ongoing improvement of existing offerings.

Our goal is to hire at the Technician 3 level; however, we will also consider applications from candidates who meet Technician 2 qualifications and the aptitude to grow into the role. This position joins a team of skilled, motivated, and supportive colleagues dedicated to helping our students build a better tomorrow.

Essential Functions

• Provide consultative technical and training support and services to 1819 Makerspace users. Manage multiple projects of moderate to advanced scope and complexity.
• Educate users on the safe, smart, and practical use of makerspace equipment, tools and software. Ensure all users firmly grasp safety and proper use of equipment, including developing, maintaining, and enforcing standard operating procedures in compliance with OSHA and EHS policies.
• Develop and provide hands-on experiential learning workshops that maximize user's knowledge of materials, processes, and technologies.
• Coach the design and layout work necessary to fabricate objects from various materials. Expert level knowledge of fabrication in wood, metal, and plastics required.
• Advise and assist users with alterations in design to increase efficiency or aid in fabrication.
• Maintain equipment and facility, ensuring that they are clean, safe, and accessible to users.
• Participate in the recruitment, training, and mentoring of student employees in the 1819 Makerspace facility.
• Deliver excellent customer service and maintain clarity and composure when faced with difficult situations.
• Advise on the installation, configuration, and modification of equipment and associated software.
• Collaborate with UC faculty and administration to support curriculum and programing for the 1819 Makerspace.
• Provide custom design or fabrication services in their area of expertise.
• May lead small project teams and junior staff.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.