Mechanical Engineering Lab Manager and Makerspace Technician

Howard University

2d•$90,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineering Lab Manager/Makerspace Technician oversees the management, maintenance, and safe operation of all departmental laboratory facilities, including machine shops, instructional spaces, and the CEA makerspace. This role provides technical support for laboratory instruction, research activities, student projects, and makerspace operations. The position ensures compliance with safety standards, facilitates equipment procurement and repairs, and supervises student assistants and student use of facilities. The Lab Manager collaborates with faculty to prepare, set up, and deliver laboratory courses, conducts routine maintenance, calibrations, and inspections of facilities and equipment, and operates, calibrates, and performs routine maintenance on specialized equipment. They also manage the departmental machine shop and the makerspace lab, overseeing student design and building activities, and provide comprehensive training and certification to students, faculty, and staff on the safe operation of CEA makerspace and machine shop equipment. Additionally, the role assists in the assessment and analysis of space, equipment needs, and requirements.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of machine shop operations, including materials processing and the use of precision tools to fabricate parts.
Proficiency in operating and maintaining fabrication equipment, such as CNC machines, lathes, mills, grinders, 3D printers, waterjet cutting tools, laser cutting machines, welding stations, and other general machining tools.
Knowledge in using CAD/CAM software in design, technical drawing, and engineering principles relevant to mechanical systems and additive/subtractive manufacturing processes.
Strong understanding of laboratory and makerspace safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and risk management in educational and research settings.
Skill in operating computers, related software applications (e.g., Autodesk Fusion, Microsoft Office suite, inventory management systems), and office equipment.
Expertise in providing hands-on training and supervision in a makerspace environment, including user certification and troubleshooting for design and prototyping activities.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a diverse population, including faculty, students, and external stakeholders.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, with 2-5 years of relevant experience in laboratory management, machine shop operations, or equipment maintenance.
Alternatively, 10 years of progressively responsible related work experience may be substituted for educational qualifications.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support for laboratory instruction, research activities, student projects, and makerspace operations.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, facilitate equipment procurement and repairs, and supervise student assistants and student use of facilities.
Collaborate with faculty to prepare, set up, and deliver laboratory courses.
Conduct routine maintenance, calibrations, and inspections of facilities and equipment.
Operate, calibrate, and perform routine maintenance on specialized equipment, including CNC machines, 3D printers, wind tunnels, and material testing; provide consultations on machining techniques and CAD/CAM programming.
Manage the departmental machine shop and the makerspace lab, overseeing student design and building activities using manufacturing tools.
Provide comprehensive training and certification to students, faculty, and staff on the safe operation of CEA makerspace and machine shop equipment.
Assist in the assessment and analysis of space, equipment needs, and requirements.