<p>Salary Grade</p> <p>Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $25.34 per hour.</p> <p>Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.</p> <p>Job Description</p> <p>POSITION OBJECTIVE</p> <p>Sears think[box], a seven-story, 50,000-square-foot innovation center at Case Western Reserve University, stands as the nation's largest open-access makerspace, offering free trainings and access to advanced fabrication tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines to university members, local entrepreneurs, and the broader Cleveland community.</p> <p>The Prototyping Manager will lead the think[box]'s Prototyping (3rd) Floor operations while fostering an innovative and inclusive environment. This position combines expertise in design, fabrication, creative problem-solving, and customer service to provide guidance to users working on diverse academic, entrepreneurial, and personal projects.</p> <p>Core responsibilities include implementing safety protocols, performing equipment maintenance and repairs, managing material inventory and ordering, and supervising student technicians. Working with the Makerspace Director, Prototyping Engineer, and other think[box] staff, the Prototyping Manager will also collaborate on the development and delivery of hands-on workshops, trainings, and other educational programs to advance users' fabrication skills and build confidence.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS</p> <ul> <li>Design and Manufacturing Leadership: Provide expert guidance in 2D and 3D design, prototyping, and digital fabrication to users across all skill levels working on academic, entrepreneurial, and personal projects. Learn and assist with key software and equipment. Mentor users and staff through challenges related to 3D modeling, material selection, and file preparation for additive and subtractive manufacturing processes including 3D printing, laser cutting, and textile work. Consult with faculty to advise on prototyping-related curriculum and support course-relevant design-and-build projects. Champion best practices that emphasize safety, sustainability, and creative exploration. Create an accessible and welcoming space that encourages experiential learning. Represent the Prototyping Floor at team meetings, in user consultations, and on facility tours. (55%) </li><li>Training: Collaborate with the Makerspace Director, Makerspace Manager, and Fabrication Manager to recruit, train, and manage a team of 15+ prototyping-specific student technicians that support users with project design and prototyping requests, perform routine equipment maintenance, and run professional 3D printing services. Support the development and delivery of training week for student employees. Develop and deliver shorter training sessions and other supports for general users. (20%) </li><li>Operations Management: Manage the installation, operation, and maintenance of digital design software and prototyping equipment (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutters, basic electronics, 3D scanners, sewing and embroidery machines, electronics soldering stations, etc.). Advise the Sears think[box] leadership team on the selection and purchase of new, upgraded, and/or replacement equipment based on industry trends and user needs. Manage equipment procurement, safety protocols, and maintenance schedules. Maintain inventory and order supplies, replacement parts, materials, and consumables required for 3rd floor operations and community programs. Keep inventory pricing up to date and adjust as needed. Ensure year-round operational excellence through strategic planning and continuous improvement of workspace and resources. (15%) </li></ul> <p>NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS</p> <ul> <li>Assist with and participate in day-to-day Sears think[box] operations. (5%) </li><li>Perform other duties as assigned. (5%) </li></ul> <p>CONTACTS</p> <p>Department: Continuous contact with Sears think[box] management, including the Makerspace Director, Makerspace Manager, and Fabrication Manager. Occasional contact with the Executive Director and Faculty Director to advise or assist on special tasks and projects.</p> <p>University: Moderate contact with university faculty and staff to advise and assist on design/make-related activities. Occasional contact with the offices of the President and Provost, deans of schools and colleges, and central administration to provide information.</p> <p>External: Moderate contact with alumni, potential donors, local companies, potential clients, and local K-12 educators and students to represent think[box], advise on prototyping-specific questions, deliver tours, provide hands-on workshops, and general project mentorship.</p> <p>Students: Continuous contact with graduate and undergraduate students using think[box] resources, especially student project teams and others involved with 3rd-floor design/build/validate projects and competitions. Continuous contact with Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Institute of Art undergraduate student technicians to exchange information.</p> <p>SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <p>Assist in the recruitment, training, and management of 15+ undergraduate student technicians from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Institute of Art.</p> <p>QUALIFICATIONS</p> <p>Experience: 3 to 5 years of proven professional design and fabrication/manufacturing experience required. Experience supervising and/or instructing undergraduate students engaged in design/make project work would be a distinct advantage.</p> <p>Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. engineering, design, art, manufacturing, or similar). Graduate degree preferred.</p> <p>REQUIRED SKILLS</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching, mentorship, and safety. </li><li>Demonstrated proficiency in CAD/CAM software, with a focus on 3D modeling (e.g. Rhino, ZBrush, Blender, or similar) and 2D graphical design (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape, or similar). </li><li>Experience with model optimization, file preparation, and post-processing for additive manufacturing, including with desktop and industrial FDM 3D printers and SLA resin 3D printers. Experience with (or willingness to learn) Materialise Mimics software to create 3D models from CT scans. </li><li>Experience with a variety of manual and computer-controlled fabrication and prototyping machines, equipment, and processes, including, but not limited to, laser cutters/engravers, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, soldering tools, sewing and embroidery machines, and bench tools. </li><li>Ability to explain/demonstrate/instruct prototyping manufacturing skills to users of all backgrounds and skill levels. </li><li>Ability to engage and motivate students from multiple backgrounds (art, music, engineering, science) engaged in design/build/validate projects. </li><li>Strong interpersonal and management skills. </li><li>Practical design/make experience, with a successful record of creative project design, management, manufacture, testing, and delivery. </li><li>Ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects. </li><li>A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace. </li><li>Excellent organizational skills, a growth mindset (openness to direction), and a commitment to get the job done. </li><li>Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required, to provide coverage, primarily for the Sears think[box] Prototyping Floor. </li><li>Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest. </li><li>Ability to meet consistent attendance. </li><li>Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. </li></ul> <p>WORKING CONDITIONS</p> <p>Duties will require working with various manual and computer-controlled machines and processes, laser cutting and engraving and manipulating a range of polymeric, and wood-based materials. None of the processes or materials will present any toxic hazards. The duties of the position will involve occasional travel supporting students in external competitions and working flexible hours in the evenings and weekends.</p> <p>Diversity Statement</p> <p>In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.</p> <p>.</p> <p>Reasonable Accommodations</p> <p>Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.</p> <p>.</p>