STEAM Lab Specialist - Makerspace

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

The STEAM Lab Specialist will manage and steward Cristo Rey Jesuit’s makerspaces, including the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab. The role ensures tools, machines, and equipment are maintained in safe, working condition and supports students and teachers in hands-on learning, design thinking, prototyping, and creative problem-solving. Working with faculty, the Specialist will facilitate experiences grounded in design thinking and the Ignatian Innovation Framework, helping students develop the skills, confidence, and mindset to innovate with purpose. The role oversees makerspace activities, maintains equipment, supports safe lab practices, and cultivates a welcoming, collaborative space where students can explore ideas, create solutions, and grow as leaders. The Specialist will also manage equipment access, checkout, purchasing, inventory, training, and programming. They will work with teachers to integrate lab tools into class projects, supervise student access during Flex periods and/or after school, and support the Director of Innovation with events, extracurricular activities, field trips, and partnerships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, making, and sharing knowledge.
Hands-on problem-solving mindset and interest in project-based learning and design work.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic school environment.
Interest in developing and growing a high school makerspace or innovation program.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including documenting processes and presenting information.
Flexibility and adaptability in a developing program environment.
Commitment to the mission and values of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.
Strong commitment to working with high school students and supporting their growth and success.
Cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a makerspace; familiarity with digital tools, software, and hardware is also valued.
Basic programming experience.
Experience with fabrication tools, robotics, or engineering programs such as FIRST Robotics.
Teaching, coaching, or facilitation experience.
Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab, ensuring tools, machines, and equipment are safe, functional, organized, and available for student and faculty learning.
Develop and manage a safety training and certification system for equipment use.
Manage equipment checkout, project purchasing, and inventory of gear and consumables.
Participate in training and professional development, and arrange or provide training for staff to expand access to lab machines and equipment.
Coordinate teacher access to the lab and equipment through a shared calendar and reservation system.
Advise teachers on integrating Innovation Lab machines and equipment into existing or proposed class projects.
Promote use of the Innovation Lab and its equipment to expand curricular integration and extracurricular participation.
Supervise student lab access during a midday Flex period and/or after school.
Develop and deliver programming for students, teachers, and families to learn to use specific equipment and create specific items.
Support the Director of Innovation with guest speaker coordination, extracurricular coordination, school assembly presentations, field trip planning, and partnership development.
Perform other duties as assigned.