Anderson Student Innovation Labs Manager

This person will be responsible for managing all of Anderson Labs makerspaces in CSE including the Design Lab (ME 2134), Build Lab (Civil 335), and Polaris Machine Shop (ME176) and their staff. This position will coordinate and empower staff and student workers to take care of day-to-day lab activities such as training students to access equipment, fixing broken equipment, performing preventative maintenance tasks, cleaning, taking inventory, placing orders, etc. The primary focus of the manager will be to leverage the Anderson Labs equipment and resources to implement educational programming for the benefit of CSE students. The manager should focus on content creation and bigger picture goals rather than day-to-day lab tasks.

Location and Work environment: U of M East Bank. Primarily in-person with some remote flexibility.

Work Schedule: 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday. Occasional nights or weekends for special events.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Primary Responsibilities:
30% - Develops and implements workshops, training courses, competitions, events, and other opportunities for CSE students to learn and apply practical design and engineering skills. Measures the impact of programming in the Anderson Labs through a combination of user surveys, student feedback sessions, and other data capture methods to improve the labs' educational impact.

20% - Directs Anderson Labs staff and student workers to make sure the day to day operations of the makerspaces are taken care of and the labs are meeting the needs of CSE students. Works with staff to maintain equipment, order supplies, purchase new equipment, train lab users, offer design help, and do anything else needed to ensure that lab users have a good experience.

15% - Manages the Taylor Student Projects fund and develops other similar opportunities for students to apply their engineering knowledge.

10% - Establishes internal and external contacts and partnerships related to student innovation, design, and fabrication. Leverages these connections to plan community outreach and industry networking opportunities for students and recruitment events for CSE.

10% - Works with faculty and staff to encourage more direct curricular use of the makerspaces; designs curriculum, trains faculty and TAs, and schedules the spaces.

5% - Manages the 3D printing service in collaboration with other staff and student workers.

5% - Maintains budgets, reports, and statistics necessary for makerspace upkeep and
operations. Monitors revenues and expenses.

5% - Researches makerspaces around the globe, including at other universities, to bring best practices to the Anderson Labs.

Required Qualifications:
* Advanced degree in relevant field, with at least 4 years of experience, or a BA/BS with at least 6 years of relevant post degree experience.
* Experience supervising people.
* Strong understanding of the safe operation of power tools and other fabrication equipment. Ability to provide safety-focused instruction and foster an environment of safety where students feel encouraged to ask questions.
* High level of skill in the operation of a variety of analog and digital fabrication equipment and tools. Familiarity with a wide range of materials, including woods, metals, and plastics.
* Courteous and effective communication style. Ability to pivot instruction based on needs of individual students.
* Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) and desire to promote DEAI in a fabrication shop environment.
* Exceptional level of customer service and ability to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations.
* Commitment to continual learning. Curiosity about new materials, tools, and methods. Comfortable learning alongside students and admitting when unsure of an answer.
* Wide range of mobility to perform repairs to equipment, stand for long periods of time, and lift and carry objects weighing up to 50lbs.
* Understanding of and strict adherence to PPE standards and safety practices when handling hazardous materials or being exposed to dust and noise.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience in an educational hands-on learning environment, such as a makerspace, arts program, or fabrication lab.
* Working knowledge of 3D printing and laser cutting hardware and software.
* Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) software such as: Solidworks, Creo, Inventor, Fusion360, or similar.
* Experience with Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software such as: FeatureCAM, VCarve, HSMWorks, MasterCAM, Fusion360, or similar.
* Experience with CNC Mills and Lathe; ideally Haas machines with The Haas control.
* Experience with C++, Python, Java, or other object oriented programming languages.
* Experience working with microcontrollers and single board computers such as: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Particle Photon, etc.
* Apparel or soft goods construction skills.

The Anderson Student Innovation Labs are makerspaces in the College of Science and Engineering that serve: students working on course related projects, extracurricular student organizations, researchers, and people working on personal projects. The Anderson Labs consist of several locations spread out across multiple buildings and the capabilities include 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics prototyping equipment (soldering irons, PCB mill, power supplies, test equipment, etc.), metal working equipment (mills, lathes, saws, welders, sheet metal shears and brakes, etc.), woodworking equipment (saws, CNC router, sanders, drill presses, lathes, etc.), and more.

Pay Range: $78,000-$100,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.