Innovation Lab Specialist - Makerspace & Innovation

Do you believe innovation empowers students to think critically, create boldly, and serve others with purpose?

In the Innovation Lab Specialist role, you will support Cristo Rey Jesuit's Innovation Lab and Makerspace by providing safe, supervised access to tools, equipment, and creative technologies while guiding students and teachers through hands-on, design-thinking-based learning experiences. You will help develop the mindsets and skills outlined in the Ignatian Innovation Framework and maintain a collaborative space where students can explore ideas, build solutions, solve problems, and grow as future leaders.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Innovation Lab Specialist will manage and steward Cristo Rey Jesuit's makerspaces, including the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab, ensuring that tools, machines, and equipment are maintained in safe and working condition. The Specialist will support students and teachers in using these spaces for hands-on learning, design thinking, prototyping, and creative problem-solving.

Working in collaboration with faculty, the Innovation Lab Specialist will facilitate experiences grounded in design thinking and the Ignatian Innovation Framework, helping students develop the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to innovate with purpose. The Specialist will oversee makerspace activities, maintain tools and equipment, support safe lab practices, and cultivate a welcoming environment where students can create, collaborate, and grow as leaders.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee and maintain Cristo Rey Jesuit's makerspaces, including the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab, ensuring tools, machines, and equipment are safe, functional, organized, and available for student and faculty learning.

Machines:
Tormach CNC Router, Roland vinyl printer/cutter, Roland DTF Printer, large format laminator, HP Large Format Printers, Glowforge and Boss laser engravers, Bambu Labs, Creality, and Form Labs 3D printers

Equipment:
Rodecaster Podcasting equipment, audio production gear, cameras and lenses, iPads and Apple Pencils, laptops, photo/video drones, robots and robotics gear, and VR/AR equipment

Develop and manage a safety training and certification system to ensure the safe, prepared use of equipment in the Innovation lab.

Manage the equipment checkout and project purchasing processes, as well as the inventory of gear and consumables.

Engage in training and professional development, and then arrange for or provide training for staff to expand access to the machines and equipment of the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab.

Coordinate access to the lab and equipment for teachers through a shared calendar and reservation system to support class projects.

Engage with teachers to provide advice and ideas on integrating Innovation Lab machines or equipment into existing or proposed class projects.

Promote the use of the Innovation Lab and equipment in the school to expand curricular integration and extracurricular participation.

Supervise lab access for students during a midday "Flex" period and/or after school.

Develop and deliver programming that provides targeted opportunities for students, teachers, and families to learn to use specific equipment and create specific items.

Support the Director of Innovation with guest speaker coordination, extracurricular coordination, school assembly presentation, field trip planning, and partnership development.

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Bachelor's degree or higher required

Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, making, and sharing knowledge

Hands-on problem-solving mindset with interest in project-based learning and design work Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a dynamic school environment

Interest in developing and growing a high school makerspace or innovation program

Experience in a makerspace preferred; strong familiarity with digital tools, software, and hardware also valued

Basic programming experience preferred

Experience with fabrication tools, robotics, or engineering programs (e.g., FIRST Robotics) is a plus Teaching, coaching, or facilitation experience is a plus Strong written and verbal…