Fab Lab Manager

Job Description

Provides innovative operational leadership for Muskegon Community College’s Lakeshore Fab Lab. Manages: the use of the space, maintenance, operating systems and processes, equipment usage and repair, software, and supplies. Responsible for hiring, training, and managing of facility staff including part time staff, community volunteers, and student workers. Directs and creates content for digital media to promote the Fab Lab. Works with MCC faculty across all disciplines, staff, students, community, and volunteers to develop and implement Fab Lab related programs. Supports entrepreneurs as they design new products and services. Increases membership and facility utilization by building internal and external relationships with all stakeholders. Establishes protocols for the safe and effective use of the Lab, records data, and creates financial and performance metrics as required.

Muskegon Community College

Named the 19th Best Community College in the U.S. in 2021, Muskegon offers accredited academic programs leading to 54 associate degrees and 32 certificates. As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, MCC’s nationally recognized commitment to student success unites its faculty and staff in their mission to prepare students, build communities and improve lives.

One of Michigan’s most picturesque community colleges, the Muskegon main campus building - an award-winning Alden Dow design - spans Four Mile Creek on a 15-acre sylvan setting. The campus boasts several new multimillion-dollar facilities - the Health and Wellness Center, the Science Center and the Art and Music Building - and includes University Park Golf Course and the Carr-Fles Planetarium. The Sturrus Technology Center in historic downtown Muskegon is home to state-of-the-art applied technology offerings, the Rooks|Sarnicola Entrepreneur Center and the Lakeshore Fab Lab. MCC offers classes in adjacent Ottawa and Newaygo Counties.

Living in Muskegon County
Muskegon County residents enjoy 26 miles of sugar-sand beaches along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, as well as one of America’s only luge tracks at the Winter Sports Complex and the regionally popular Michigan’s Adventure Amusement & Water Park. An outdoor recreation hub with three state parks and swimming, fishing and boating on its many lakes and rivers, the Muskegon area offers dynamic downtown and beachfront restaurant and entertainment venues. The Muskegon Farmer’s Market is the second largest in Michigan. Cruise ships dock in Muskegon, while a high-speed ferry connects the city to Milwaukee. Notable local museums range from rare art collections to an actual World War II submarine and a U.S. Navy ship used during D-Day.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: First Review May 8, 2023

BUDGETED SALARY RANGE: $50,000-$70,000 Depending on experience

Required Skills

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent five years industrial production experience required.
2. Demonstrated ability to program and operate CNC fabrication equipment using common software packages preferably in a prototype, manufacturing, or promotional item facility.
3. Ability to achieve certifications on software/hardware used in the Fab Lab.
4. Teaching experience at the K-12 or college level preferred (current certification not required).
5. Demonstrated ability to create relationships and handle correspondence in a sales, membership or industrial environment.
6. Demonstrated ability to relate to people of all ages, races, and social-economic backgrounds.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate office technology, software, & equipment. Establishing yourself as the “go to” person with all equipment and software.
8. Ability and willingness to upgrade skills including technology, software, or process changes.
9. Ability to manage, coach, and work with student workers and community volunteers.
10. Ability to work on weekends if programs require.
11. Demonstrated ability to create a warm, welcoming environment to students, volunteers, faculty/staff and community members especially during busy/chaotic times.
12. Demonstrated use of tact, judgment and discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
13. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a successful team while accomplishing tasks and assignments without assistance, even while multi-tasking.
14. Highly motivated and solution oriented with a high degree of integrity, ethics and dedication to the mission of the College.
15. Demonstrated excellence in both oral and written communication skills.
16. Requires prolonged standing, keyboarding, work on a variety of CNC equipment and work on computer (hand/eye strain), speaking in English via phone or in person.

Essential Function:

1. Manage the daily operations of the Fab Lab.
2. Manage the Fab Lab point of sale system and input all invoices and handle billing and payment of all Fab Lab transactions.
3. Maintain a safe, clean and well-organized environment including maintaining equipment and inventory.
4. Assure safety compliance standards are met.
5. Lead, schedule and coordinate volunteers and student employees.
6. Understand and operate each machine and all software used in the Fab Lab.
7. Provide technical support for hardware and software.
8. Assist users with the use of machines and software, addressing technical questions or needs, and trouble- shooting problems.
9. Develop and provide training and learning programs to users.
10. Run and write reports for tracking and evaluating the Fab Lab services, including revenue and use.
11. Increase awareness of the MCC Fab Lab in the community.
12. Meet/contact prospective members for the Fab Lab to grow membership and increase utilization.
13. Develop and manage annual departmental budget in conjunction with supervisor.
14. Maintain information on the portal, website and/or social media sites.
15. Serve on college and external committees as necessary.
16. Perform all other duties as assigned.

Physical, Mental, and Environment Requirements Include:

Mental Demands:

☒ Detailed Work

☒ Student Contact

☒ Deadline oriented

☒ Problem Situations

☒ Multiple Priorities & Demands

☒ Emergency Situations

☒ Confidentiality

☒ On-call Availability

☒ Continual Interruptions

☐ Working Alone

☒ Faculty Contact

☒ Working with Others

Physical Demands:

☒ Standing & Walking

☒ Sitting

☐ Reclining

☒ Carrying

☐ Lifting up to 10 lbs. ☐ Up to 25 lbs. ☒ Up to 50 lbs. ☐ 80 + lbs.

☒ Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Bending

☒ Climb or Balance

☒ Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl

☒ Squatting

☒ Handle or Feel

☒ Reach with Hands and Arms

☒ Talking or hearing

☐ Tasting/Smelling

☒ Working Overhead

☒ Speak in English via Phone or In Person

☐ Close, Distance, Peripheral, and Color Vision along with Depth Perceptions

☒ Ability to Adjust and Focus

Work Environment:

☒ Exposure to fumes or airborne particles and moderate to loud noise levels.

☒ Normal Office environment with little, if, any, discomfort due to heat, dust, noise and the like. Ability to travel to all campus locations required.







Muskegon Community College continues to promote staff diversity, and is an equal opportunity employer. MCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, political persuasion, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or any other protected class in any of its educational programs, activities or employment. Minorities, women, veterans, and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply. Anyone with a disability will be reasonably accommodated by the College. If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance in applying for this position, please contact the Human Resources Office.

Job Location Muskegon, Michigan, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular