Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Makerspace Technician
Position Type
Regular
Job Number
SA95624
Full or Part Time
part-time 20-29 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Non-Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$23.00 - $27.00
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of
the compensation range for this position. This range takes into
account a variety of factors that are considered in making
compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge,
abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other
business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined
based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as
well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated
pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The rapidly growing
Dale E. and Sarah Ann
Fowler School of Engineering ( FSE ) seeks highly motivated
colleagues to help build Chapman University’s newest school. Opened
in the Fall of 2019, FSE offers undergraduate degree programs in
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Software
Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, along with a new graduate
program, a MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The
School also offers several interdisciplinary minors and themed
programs which allow students from across other Chapman programs to
explore engineering.
FSE is housed in the new
Swenson Family Hall of Engineering , a cutting-edge
facility that supports student learning, campus-wide project
activities, and faculty-led research. Within Swenson Hall is an
open-access makerspace, the Design / Create/ Innovate Lab ( DCI ),
consisting of four rooms that house a wide variety of low and
high-end fabrication equipment. The DCI Lab supports academic and
personal projects and welcomes individuals from all levels of
making, design, and innovation experience. A goal of the lab is to
encourage an inclusive and supportive community of makers across
the entire campus community who want to become more familiar with
the tools and resources in the spaces. In addition to the DCI Lab,
FSE has two instructional labs: the Signals and Cyber Lab and the
Circuits and Structures Lab.
FSE invites applications for a part-time Makerspace Technician
position and seeks an individual passionate about technology and
its implications for making and improving access to it.
Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Labs and
Makerspaces, the Makerspace Technician will ensure the smooth
operation of equipment within the Fowler School of Engineering’s
Design / Create / Innovate ( DCI ) Lab makerspace and instructional
labs. The primary responsibility of the Makerspace Technician is to
set up, operate, troubleshoot, repair, and perform routine and
preventive maintenance on equipment. This includes following
training, safety, and operating protocols and assisting in their
development where needed. The Makerspace Technician will also
provide support and mentorship to students, staff, and faculty on
course-related projects, engineering-specific extracurricular
activities, academic research related to fabrication, and projects
requiring assistance with manual or CNC metalworking. Collaborate
with staff and student workers to maintain inventory of supplies
and equipment in both the DCI Lab, stockrooms, and other laboratory
spaces. Other responsibilities include general lab upkeep
(cleaning, sanitization), overseeing 3D printer usage and
maintenance, inventory management and organization, supporting
program curricula, training users on safe and proper equipment
operation and best practices, monitoring equipment usage for safety
according to SOP, and implementing lab improvements in
organization, hazardous material storage, and disposal.
This role requires an exceptionally detail-oriented self-starter
who is proactive and able to independently develop, coordinate, and
execute projects, both independently and within a team environment.
Serves on school and university committees as requested.
Responsibilities
Technical and Operational Support
- Through excellent customer service and efficiency, provide
technical and operational support for the Fowler School of
Engineering’s Design / Create / Innovate Lab makerspace and
instructional facilities.
Troubleshoot, repair, and perform basic maintenance on
equipment, including but not limited to CO2 laser cutters, MOPA
Laser Engraver, FDM 3D printers, Resin 3D printers, SLS 3D
printers, vinyl printer/cutters, various woodworking power tools,
CNC machines, and other similar equipment.
Oversee and support 3D printing by checking 3D model files,
g-code, slicer settings, laser cutting, and vetting files for
errors prior to authorizing print jobs.
Organize and manage documentation on equipment, instruments,
supplies, and chemicals.
Maintain and order inventory of supplies and equipment. Confirm
delivery and receipt of purchased items. Work closely with
contractors and vendors to ensure invoice and delivery notice
information is accurate.
Regularly meet with supervisor, faculty, and staff to review
equipment, tools, and materials for makerspace and instructional
lab needs.
Track and maintain database of lab members’ training and access
and follow up as needed to ensure all member training is
complete.
Maintain database of e-waste and hazardous waste. Collaborate
with appropriate staff on their safe storage and disposal.
Serve as backup cashier and provide support of the
Point-of-Sale system to process transactions of materials and parts
sold in the makerspaces and stockroom.
Work with faculty and staff to ensure instructional labs,
makerspaces, and stockrooms are clean, functional, organized, safe,
and usable daily.
Follow all safety policies, procedures, and programs; act as a
responsible party for individual safety and the safety of others.
Participate in the development and implementation of training
materials and safety standards.
Support students and faculty in course-related projects,
engineering-specific extracurricular activities, and academic
research related to the manufacturing/making facilities and
programs.
Assist in training and supervising student employees.
Program and Event Support
- Foster student activities and engagement with makerspace
resources by developing partnerships with individual students,
student clubs and organizations, faculty, staff, and campus
partners at varying skill levels and expertise.
- Provide backup support in the facilitation of programs,
workshops, and events (with selected evening and weekend hours as
needed).
- Create a positive and welcoming environment for users of all
backgrounds and skill levels.
- Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the
position.
Required Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or trade certification in a related
technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and
relevant trade skills/experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience setting up, programming, and operating CNC
machines.
- Proficiency in computer-aided design using digital modeling and
fabrication software.
- Familiarity with prototyping equipment such as 3D printers,
laser cutters, and woodworking equipment.
- Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and
applications needed for the position.
- Highly flexible, adaptable with ability to thrive in a
fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to convey
accurate information in a professional manner, with the ability to
interact with diverse individuals and groups at all organizational
levels.
- Proven competence in problem-solving, work agility, attention
to detail and prioritization.
- Computer literacy with proficiency and working knowledge of
database and reporting tools including Microsoft Word, Excel and
Outlook.
- Ability to learn, demonstrate and enforce proper health and
safety procedures and regulations.
- Highly organized, resourceful, and creative with the ability to
plan and coordinate multiple priorities and deliver assignments on
time.
- Ability to perform general clerical functions critical to the
maintenance and efficiency of the facilities and equipment.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with printed circuit board ( PCB ) design and
fabrication.
- Experience supervising, training, and providing guidance in the
safe and effective use and operation of equipment.
- Demonstrated mechanical/electrical aptitude, corroborated by
work history.
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position reports to the Assistant Director of Labs and
Makerspaces and is part of a team of faculty and staff who are
committed to the student experience. May supervise student
employees. Application review will begin immediately and may close
at any time without prior notice.
The position is expected to begin in Fall 2026. Due to the
responsibilities and daily demands of the position, the candidate
must be available to work fully on-site. The DCI Lab is generally
open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the
academic year and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the summer
term. Operating hours are subject to change based on business and
operational needs. This is a part-time position, and employees
should have the flexibility to work varying schedules within the
Lab’s operating hours. Alternative work schedules may be considered
based on business needs and staffing requirements.
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through
in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and
employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff
each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides
equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of
their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and
employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration
for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national
origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental
disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital
status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic
protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently
authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion
and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to
the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the
Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References
Maximum Number of References
Pre-screening Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you hear about this job opening?
(Open Ended Question)
- What experiences have you had that you feel are relevant to
this position?
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
- Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation 1
- Work Samples
- Certification/License