Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Upper School Part-Time Design & Entrepreneurship Technician

The Collaborative Design Lab (CDL) and Entrepreneurship Program are expanding, driven by growing student interest through the 9th Grade Arts Rotation and Entrepreneurship courses. We are seeking a part-time Design, Art & Entrepreneurship Technician to support student project development, maintain and oversee the lab environment, and assist with fabrication and prototyping activities.

This role is ideal for someone interested in applying design, making, and fabrication skills within a project-based educational setting. The position offers hands-on experience supporting STEAM education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and student-centered learning.

Supervision
This position reports to:
Director of the Collaborative Design Lab & Entrepreneurship Program
Chair of the Arts Department

• 3 days per week
• Up to 15 hours per week

• Support students with design, fabrication, and prototyping projects
• Assist with oversight, organization, and maintenance of the Collaborative Design Lab
• Ensure safe operation of fabrication equipment and tools
• Provide technical support during design, entrepreneurship, and arts courses as needed
• Prepare materials, equipment, and workspaces for classes and student projects
• Assist faculty in implementing project-based learning experiences

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Industrial Design, Product Design, Engineering, Fine Arts, or a related field. 
• 0–2 years of experience working in K–12 educational settings, youth programs, summer camps, makerspaces, or similar learning environments. 
• Familiarity with design thinking, fabrication tools, digital design software, and project-based learning methodologies
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while supporting multiple projects and priorities

We are seeking someone who is enthusiastic about working with high school students and supporting creative, hands-on learning experiences. Candidates should be adaptable, self-motivated, and comfortable working across multiple subject areas.

Because final course schedules are established in August, flexibility is essential. The technician may support Design, Entrepreneurship, and Arts courses depending on enrollment and scheduling needs. Experience in one area is expected, while an interest in learning and supporting across disciplines is highly valued.

• Design Thinking
• Human-Centered Design
• Project-Based Learning
• Product Design & Development
• Low- and Medium-Fidelity Prototyping
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Processes
• Documentation & Portfolio Building

• Rhino 3D and/or Fusion 360
• Tinkercad
• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign preferred)
• Canva

• 3D Printing
• Laser Cutting
• Woodshop Equipment:
  • Drill Press, Band Saw, Sanders, Hand and Power Tools
• General Fabrication and Prototyping Techniques

• Drawing and sketching
• Visual communication
• Model making
• Graphic design
• Mixed-media or studio art experience

Salary Range

• $25.00 - $35.00 hourly
• Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Application Information

• Please click here to complete an application and upload your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three to five references, including two present or past supervisors.

• Equal Opportunity Act: Thayer Academy is an equal opportunity employer. The Academy complies with and adheres to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws with respect to its employment practices. Thayer Academy does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin or ancestry, age, or disability, or any other category protected under state or federal law. This policy extends to recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, assignment, working conditions, promotions, transfers, termination, re-employment, education, tuition assistance, employee treatment, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. All employment-related decisions are made on a nondiscriminatory basis so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.

• Americans with Disabilities Act: Thayer Academy complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training, and any other conditions or privileges of employment.