Makerspace Director

Sears think[box] serves members of the Case Western Reserve community (faculty, staff, alumni, and affiliates) as well as the general public with seven floors of innovation, including an expansive makerspace and many resources to support entrepreneurship. The Makerspace Director manages daily operations on the 3rd (Prototyping), 4th (Fabrication), and 5th (Project) floors, which include a wood shop, metal shop, welding shop, waterjet, and paint room. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role ensures a safe, inclusive, and innovative environment for all users while contributing to the growth and impact of Sears think[box] at Case Western Reserve University and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Makerspace Management: Oversee all operational aspects of the Prototyping (3rd), Fabrication (4th), and Project (5th) floors, ensuring smooth and efficient management of these spaces. Lead a team of staff and student technicians, coordinating their recruitment, training, and supervision to provide design guidance, equipment training, and hands-on support to users. Manage tool usage and monitor the inventory of materials and consumables, while overseeing the operation, maintenance, and repair of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and manual equipment across the prototyping floor, wood shop, metal shop, welding shop, waterjet, and paint room. Lead preventative maintenance, repairs, and equipment replacement to maintain the highest safety and operational standards. Recommend new equipment aligned with budget constraints and supervise its installation and commissioning. Develop and maintain preventative maintenance schedules for all equipment. Conduct orientation and safety trainings and enforce compliance with rules, policies, and standards (including OSHA and EHS) for staff and users to foster a safe and inclusive maker environment. Participate in senior staff meetings and strategy sessions to represent the makerspace priorities, plan events, support partnerships, and position think[box] for success.
2. Creation of Learning Supports and Project Management: Conduct workshops and mentor users in all aspects of design and fabrication, from CNC and manual tools to welding, craftsmanship, problem-solving, and shop safety. Collaborate on content and curriculum development for classes and workshops, working with the Executive and Faculty Director to identify new opportunities for integration. Develop and manage a diverse portfolio of on-site workshops and classes, offering varying lengths and depths of instruction on design, prototyping, and fabrication technologies. Track workshop attendance, gather feedback from participants, and create reports to assess effectiveness, impact, and opportunities for improvement or growth. Additionally, oversee the creation and refinement of non-workshop resources such as written guides and other self-service solutions. Offer guidance and advice to students working on senior design projects, particularly those with machining and fabrication needs.
3. Manage 5th Floor Spaces and Project Teams: Assign and oversee project bays, carts, and storage, fielding users’ requests. Provide design and manufacturing consultation, mentorship, and technical guidance to extracurricular design/build project teams (e.g., Mini Baja, Rocketry, Robotics). Manage communications with project teams, enforcing adherence to think[box] policies and safety practices.
4. Systems Management and Reporting: Ensure financial and operating logistics.