Fabrication and Mechatronics Laboratory Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Engineering and Computer Science

POSITION LOCATION: Durham, NC

POSTING DATE: 08/04/2025

CLOSING DATE: 08/11/2025 at 5pm

POSITION TYPE: Temporary part-time, Non-exempt, 30hrs per week

HOURLY RATE: $20.66 – $22.95

NCSSM is ranked as the #1 Best Public High School in the U.S

NCSSM and the Department of Engineering and Computer Science foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard. If you are an individual with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process, please contact us at hr@ncssm.edu.

Description of Duties:

The Fabrication and Mechatronics Lab Assistant position reports directly to the Dean of Engineering and Computer Science with daily guidance provided by the Fabrication Laboratory Manager. The position exists to provide expertise for and supervisory oversight of educational activities in the Peter T Haughton Fabrication and Innovation Laboratory and in the Hunt Mechatronics Classroom on the NCSSM Durham campus, ensuring these fabrication spaces can be used regularly and safely by members of the NCSSM community.

Fabrication Lab Assistant Responsibilities are done in conjunction with the Fab Lab Manager and will regularly include full supervisory responsibility of students and others working in either of the fabrication spaces, as well as participation in the operational management of the Fab Lab including the

following duties: facilitating fabrication activities related to student and faculty curricular projects and academic competitions; providing instruction on the use of 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital fabrication tools as well as techniques of basic machining and computer aided design (CAD); supervising use of the fabrication spaces; providing walk-in support to users during scheduled hours of operation; adhering to and enforcing safety regulations and proper use procedures; monitoring and managing inventory of resources and tools needed to operate the laboratory; cleaning and organizing the fabrication spaces; assisting with event planning and execution; and managing a cadre of student Teaching Assistants through scheduling, peer-to-peer training, task assignment, community building activities and team meetings. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license with no serious driving-related convictions and be willing and able to transport groups of students using a school vehicle on infrequent occasions when necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to function responsibly with minimal direct supervision.


• Ability to both follow instructions and lead others.


• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills and customer service skills.


• Strong organizational skills.


• Competency with a computer and general tool use.


• Competence with, or eagerness to learn, computer-controlled tools including, but not limited to, 3D printers, laser cutters, milling and lathe equipment, and computer design software.


• Experience with the safe use of digital maker tools, CNC equipment, and/or shop tools with an emphasis on workplace safety, standardization and transparency.


• Experience training and/or working with students in a maker, fabrication, or workshop environment.

Minimum Education and Experience:

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of directly related experience required to perform the assigned duties.

Preferred: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical field.

Preferred: 2 or more years of experience overseeing operation of a fabrication/maker space with digital and CNC tools.