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Makerspace Technician


Job Location:

Irvine, CA - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 23 - 27
Posted: 15 October 2026 (2 days ago)
Application Deadline: 12 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Description Summary
The rapidly growing Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering ( FSE ) seeks highly motivated colleagues to help build Chapman Universitys 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 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 Engineerings 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 Engineerings 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
Associates degree or trade certification in a related technical field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant trade skills/experience. Bachelors 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.


Required Experience:

IC