Makerspace Technician 3, Office of Innovation, Onsite

Job Details

Job Title: Makerspace Technician 3, Office of Innovation, Onsite
Posting Start Date: 5/11/26 Work Arrangement: Onsite

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

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.

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Design, Art, or a related field.
• Nine (9) years of relevant education, experience and/or other specialized training can fulfill minimum education and experience requirements

Required Experience

• Four (4) years of experience in operating and programing digital fabrication tools and use of related CAD/CAM/slicing software: CNC machining, laser cutting, or 3-D printing.
• Minimum two (2) years: in a fabrication setting managing various fabrication tasks OR creating formal or informal learning.
• Ability to lead and train others while managing production queues.
• Some positions may require experience in specific areas of manual or digital fabrication

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Design or related field.
• Ability to provide consultative engineering guidance on high value projects.
• Knowledge of any of the following: sewing, graphics printing, electronics, programming, vacuum forming, finishing, powder coating, welding, metal fabrication, wood construction, composites.
• Leadership of small teams composed of Co-op and part-time student workers.
• Experience in academic or innovation focused shop environments.
• Prior experience teaching related skills; developing and delivering programs

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Hearing, listening - Often
• Walking - Often
• Talking - Often
• Standing - Often
• Sitting - Often
• Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Often
• Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Often
• Lifting - up to 50 pounds - Often
• Noise: There is sufficient noise to cause you to shout in order to be heard above the noise level.
• Hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts of machinery or tools used to perform work, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals.
• Oils: There is air or skin exposure to POLS (Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants) or other cutting fluids.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. UC Benefits Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:

Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information: up to $82,000 dependent on candidate experience

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.