(FWS)Student Makerspace Assistant

College Of Engineering and Architecture Makerspace assistance

2300 6th street, Washington, DC, 20051

Downing Bldg, room 1117 LKD

Position: - Student Makerspace Assistant

Position Summary

The Student Makerspace Assistant supports the daily operation of the College Makerspace and assists students, faculty, and staff with the safe and effective use of makerspace equipment. The students will help maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace while providing basic technical assistance with fabrication, prototyping, and hands-on projects.

The position provides students with practical experience in fabrication, manufacturing, prototyping, equipment operation, and collaborative problem-solving.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with the daily opening, closing, and general operation of the Makerspace.
• Assist students, faculty, and staff with the proper and safe use of Makerspace equipment.
• Monitor equipment use and ensure users follow established safety procedures and operating guidelines.
• Provide basic assistance with:
  • 3D printers and 3D printing preparation
  • Laser cutter operation
  • Band saw operation
  • Drill press operation
  • Chop saw operation
  • Welding bay operations
  • Hand tools and other Makerspace equipment
• Assist users with preparing files and materials for 3D printing and laser cutting.
• Help users select appropriate materials, tools, and fabrication methods for their projects.
• Perform basic setup, calibration, cleaning, and routine maintenance of Makerspace equipment as directed.
• Inspect work areas and equipment before and after use and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment to the Makerspace Coordinator.
• Maintain an organized inventory of materials, tools, and consumable supplies.
• Assist with tracking equipment usage, materials, and student projects.
• Ensure work areas, machines, tables, and floors are kept clean and free of hazards.
• Assist with Makerspace orientations, safety training, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Help enforce Makerspace safety policies, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with managing student reservations and scheduling equipment when required.
• Support Makerspace events, demonstrations, tours, and instructional activities.
• Assist faculty and students with basic prototyping and fabrication projects.
• Perform other Makerspace-related duties as assigned.

Equipment

Depending on training and demonstrated competency, the Student Makerspace Assistant may be responsible for assisting users with:

Digital Fabrication

• 3D printers
• Laser cutter
• Computer-based fabrication software

Wood/Metal Fabrication

• Band saw
• Drill press
• Chop saw
• Hand and power tools
• Welding equipment and welding bay

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is a primary responsibility of this position. The Student Makerspace Assistant must:

• Complete all required Makerspace safety training before operating equipment.
• Follow all equipment-specific operating procedures.
• Wear required PPE and ensured Makerspace users do the same.
• Never allow an untrained or unauthorized individual to operate restricted equipment.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment damage, injuries, or other incidents to the Makerspace Coordinator.
• Maintain awareness of fire, electrical, mechanical, and other shop-related hazards.
• Follow all University and Makerspace safety policies and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining a safe environment for all Makerspace users.

Qualifications

Required:

• Currently enrolled as a Howard University student.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interest in engineering, design, fabrication, manufacturing, architecture, or hands-on technical work.
• Willingness to learn and follow safety procedures.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Preferred:

• Previous experience with 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, metalworking, welding, or other fabrication equipment.
• Experience using CAD or other design software.
• Previous Makerspace, laboratory, workshop, or machine-shop experience.
• Basic understanding of fabrication and prototyping processes.

Physical Requirements

The position may require:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting and moving materials and equipment within reasonable limits.
• Working around machinery, dust, noise, heat, and fabrication processes.
• Wearing appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, respirators, or other protective equipment as required.
• Working in both computer-based and hands-on fabrication environments.

Work Environment

The Student Makerspace Assistant will work in a hands-on educational environment that includes digital fabrication equipment, woodworking and metalworking tools, welding operations, and other fabrication equipment. The student is expected to maintain a professional, helpful, and safety-focused environment for all Makerspace users.

Key Skills to Develop

This position is intended to provide students with practical experience in:

• Additive manufacturing and 3D printing
• Laser cutting and digital fabrication
• Wood and metal fabrication
• Welding and shop safety
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• CAD and digital design
• Prototyping and product development
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Customer service and technical support
• Shop organization and inventory management
• Teamwork and project collaboration