Innovation Lab Specialist

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

In this role, you will support Cristo Rey Jesuit's Innovation Lab by providing safe, supervised access to tools and equipment while guiding students and teachers in hands-on, design–thinking–based learning. You will help develop the mindsets and skills outlined in the Ignatian Innovation Framework and maintain a space where students can solve problems, create value, and grow as future leaders.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position offers an opportunity to empower students to think critically, create boldly, and design solutions to real-world problems in Cristo Rey Jesuit's Innovation Lab. The Innovation Lab Specialist will manage and steward the lab environment, ensuring safe, supervised access to tools and equipment for students and teachers. In collaboration with faculty, you will facilitate hands-on learning experiences grounded in design thinking and the Ignatian Innovation Framework, helping students build the mindsets and skills needed to innovate with purpose. You will also maintain lab equipment and support a space where students can develop ideas, create value, and grow as leaders.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain in working order the makerspaces (Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab) and their machines and equipment.




• 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 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 system of safety training and certification to ensure the safe and prepared use of equipment in the Innovation lab.


• Manage an equipment checkout process and project purchasing process, as well as 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 for how to integrate 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 to provide specific opportunities for students, teachers, and families to learn how to use particular equipment and create specific items.


• Support the Director of Innovation with guest speaker coordination, extra-curricular 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 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.

Interested

For more information or to apply, please visit our website directly here: Apply Now ,we kindly ask that you do not email your resume, as all applications are accepted through our Join Our Team page only.

Direct questions to [email protected]

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or national origin.