Fabrication Underground Coordinator
University of Michigan
How to Apply
Provide a cover letter and resume, submitted as one file due to system limitations, addressing your interest in this position and outlining your relevant skills and experience.
Job Summary
The Digital Media Commons (DMC) in the James and Anne Duderstadt Center (DC) at the University of Michigan (U-M) is looking for a qualified program coordinator who will maintain the DMC's Fabrication Underground Makerspace. You will manage activities at the Fabrication Underground; participate in the DMC Student Fellowship Program as a teacher and mentor; and consult with students and faculty members. You will report to the Ground Connections team manager, and will work onsite at the Duderstadt Center.
Who We Are
The DMC provides the U-M community with access to evolving technologies supported by experienced and passionate staff. We enable new ways to research, teach, learn, create, and explore in a student-centric environment that is interdisciplinary, inclusive, collaborative, and that promotes climate and social justice. The DMC's Ground Connections unit supports multidisciplinary learning and brings students from across the university together to collaborate, design, fabricate, and learn.
The Ground Connections team manages the Groundworks media lab, the Fabrication Underground and the Design Labs. The Fabrication Underground is a cutting-edge makerspace perfect for both seasoned makers and those just starting out. Our combination of online training and in-person workshops, coupled with our knowledgeable staff, ensures that everyone has the support they need. From concept to creation, we empower the U-M community with the tools and expertise to bring their ideas to fruition.
Why Work at Michigan?
From great healthcare and retirement benefits to on-site wellness programs, we provide resources to support you and your family's health and happiness. For details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/.
Responsibilities*
- Maintain a safe and clean environment to ensure compliance with safety protocols in compliance with all federal, state, and university regulations and standards.
- Assist users with projects, providing guidance on the use of tools and equipment.
- Develop Fabrication Underground learning materials.
- Operate 3D printers, laser cutters, electronic workbenches, and other prototyping tools.
- Maintain and organize tools, equipment, and materials in the maker space.
- Coordinate ordering, inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies essential to the operation of the lab.
- Troubleshoot and repair tools and equipment as needed.
- Reply to in-person, email, and telephone inquiries.
- Participate in Ground Connections team meetings and assist in meeting team goals.
- Collaborate with other team members to develop new programs and initiatives.
- Mentor and supervise student employees in collaboration with the student program manager.
- Create/lead activities to attract lab participants (e.g., lead workshops and equipment demonstrations).
- Maintain/provide content for Ground Connections web pages and/or the DC monthly newsletter.
- Provide information and statistics for the annual report.
- Perform other related tasks as requested.
Required Qualifications*
- Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in Technical Support, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Education, or Computer Science.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience with tools and equipment commonly found in makerspaces, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and electronics.
- Familiarity with software used for design and prototyping.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot and maintain equipment, as well as help users solve technical issues that arise during projects.
- Teaching and Communication Skills: Comfortable leading workshops, training sessions, and providing one-on-one assistance to users of varying skill levels.
- Project Support: Experience in assisting with project planning, execution, and documentation. The ability to help users navigate the process from concept to completion.
- Organizational Skills: Capable of managing resources, maintaining inventory, and ensuring the makerspace is organized and safe for all users.
- Communication: Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English.
- Meet physical demands of the job to include lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling objects, typically under 25 pounds.
Work Locations
This position is classified as on-site with work on campus 5 days (40 hours) a week.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for at least seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Decision Making Process
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.