Innovation Lab Specialist - Makerspace & Innovation

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 FormLabs 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.
• Cook up 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.

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.
• 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 communication skills in English, including documenting processes and presenting information.
• Spanish proficiency is an asset.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a developing program environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.
• Strong commitment to working with high school students and supporting their growth and success.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

About Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

Cristo Rey Jesuit (CRJ) Milwaukee is part of a national network of 41 high schools that transform urban education through a unique integration of college-prep academics, professional experience, and spiritual formation, with a focus on students of limited financial means. As a private, Catholic, Jesuit high school serving 450 students, Cristo Rey Jesuit's mission is to provide an affordable Catholic secondary education with a college-prep curriculum and a Corporate Work Study Program to prepare graduates for success in college, work, and life.