Lab Manager, MakerLAB, Cornell Tech (NYC)

Cornell University•New York City, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The MakerLAB at Cornell Tech is a highly visible prototyping facility and makerspace. Following its 2025 expansion to a new 2700 sq ft facility; the lab has doubled its equipment and operational capacity. The Laboratory Manager leads the technical operations of MakerLAB, a 2700 sq ft academic makerspace supporting graduate level fabrication, prototyping, and research. The Manager ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all equipment including desktop digital fabrication tools and advanced CNC milling systems. This role is responsible for the day-to-day technical management of the facility, including maintenance, troubleshooting, workflow oversight, and direct project support for students. The Laboratory Manager serves as the primary steward of equipment performance, safety compliance, and operational continuity. The Laboratory Manager reports to the Director of the MakerLAB, and will manage day-to-day scheduling for technical support staff and student volunteers. The Laboratory Manager will ensure compliance with all workplace and environmental safety standards, oversee a significant range of advanced equipment (e.g., 3D printers, CNC, laser cutters), and assist the MakerLAB Director in driving the continued growth and innovation of the MakerLAB. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. This is a onsite position with onsite location at the Cornell Tech campus in New York City. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Starting salary range: $ 75,700-$87,950

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, design, or a related field, and at least 3 years of hands-on experience in fabrication, manufacturing, or technical lab management, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven track record of operational ownership, including equipment lifecycle management, calibration protocols, preventative maintenance systems, and repair coordination.
Digital Fabrication Mastery: Advanced proficiency in modern digital workflows. Expertise is required in 3D printing (SLA + FDM), laser cutting, physical computing (soldering, microcontrollers)
CNC Milling Expertise: Comprehensive working knowledge of CNC milling (ShopBot Desktop MAX, Bantam Tools Desktop CNC).
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Familiarity with lab safety protocols and waste disposal regulations; track record of implementing and monitoring effective safety policies.

Responsibilities

Oversee the operations of all technical equipment, including advanced machinery, in the MakerLab
Oversee all fabrication equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, electronics stations, and material processing tools
Design and deliver onboarding training modules that certify students for safe equipment use and provide ongoing project consultation hours throughout the academic year.
Develop and maintain preventative maintenance schedules
Perform and coordinate repairs and vendor service calls
Troubleshoot machine and workflow issues and follow through until resolution
Maintain calibration, documentation, and equipment logs
Ensure readiness of machines for teaching and project use
Implement and monitor safety protocols
Maintain training systems and certification records
Ensure compliance with university safety and environmental standards
Maintain a culture of responsible tool use
Onboard and supervise SuperMakers (student volunteers)
Participate in projects or other duties as assigned with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.
Completion of any university required compliance trainings.