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Fab Lab Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Fab Lab Manager information

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$33.5K

$94.7K

$153.5K

How much do fab lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for fab lab manager in Chicago, IL is $94,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $114,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Fab Lab Manager do?

A Fab Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab), ensuring that equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines are maintained and accessible. They provide training, supervise users, and support innovation by assisting with design and prototyping. Additionally, they manage inventory, enforce safety protocols, and often collaborate on educational or community projects. Their role bridges technology, education, and creativity to foster hands-on learning and development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fab Lab Manager?

A successful Fab Lab Manager requires strong technical expertise in digital fabrication, prototyping, and equipment maintenance, typically supported by experience in engineering, design, or a related field. Familiarity with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and knowledge of safety protocols and makerspace management systems is essential. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and teaching skills help them effectively support users and foster a collaborative environment. These abilities are crucial for ensuring lab safety, maximizing resource utilization, and nurturing innovation among diverse users.

Is a Fab Lab Manager a stressful job?

A Fab Lab Manager oversees equipment, safety, and project workflows in a makerspace environment, which can involve managing multiple tasks and troubleshooting technical issues. The job may be stressful during busy periods or when equipment malfunctions, but effective organization and technical skills can help mitigate stress levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fab Lab jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Fab Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Fab Lab Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fab Lab Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Fab Lab Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fab Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fab Lab Manager job openings:

Fab Lab Manager jobs near you

Camp Associate

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The Camp Associate, is responsible for operation and maintenance of the Fab Lab and Fab Lab studios with the associated goal of creating a space for Fab Lab related programming, including Camps, and other community programs. Included is the design of Fab Lab (maker and design) workshops for youth, and programming for high school students. This role will work with all Education departments including the Fab Lab and Learning Lab teams.
Responsibilities
  • Oversee general operation of the Fab Lab and Fab Lab Studios to ensure they are ready and available for Camps and other Education programs throughout the year
  • Manage Camp programming for youth participants using the Fab Lab’s Make_X Grid System and coordinated with the Camps team and Student Experiences leadership.
  • Use inquiry-based practices in facilitating learning and engagement.
  • Work with the Camps team on the design and implementation of Camp curriculum and programming throughout the year.
  • Manage student interns and volunteers on a limited basis, and other museum employees while in the Fab Lab or in other Fab Lab studio spaces as needed
  • Ensure safe operation of all Fab Lab and Laboratory equipment and hand tools related to camp programming.
  • Create engaging and integrated experiences for camp participants utilizing the Fab Lab and design-thinking and engineering principles
  • Design and pilot community-aligned programming for off and after hour experiences for family and adult audiences
  • Ensure program materials are organized and in place, and Fab Lab technology is operational, before and after programs.
  • Coordinate with Student Experiences Manager and other Education staff to ensure programs are ready for facilitation including but not limited to greeting youth and families, administer parents signing students in and out of programs, manage lunch and break times, and other program related duties.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree with 1-3 years related experience in youth or public program facilitation required.
  • Experience in management of learning environments including logistics leading up to program initiation, and teaching in formal or informal settings is preferred.
  • Experience with 2D & 3D design software, and technical instruction is a plus.
  • Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form as well as handle problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Proven capacity to learn new design software applications and computer-controlled machinery, such as 3D Printers, Laser Cutters, Vinyl Cutters, and Digital Embroidery Machines. Familiarity with the Griffin MSI Wanger Family Fab Lab, its general function and place in the network are ideal as it impacts programming design and implementation.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others.
  • Established ability to speak in front of an audience with comfort and confidence along with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
  • Individual must possess excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Driver’s license or ability to obtain a driver’s license is required.
  • Some travel may be required.
Language: 
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and procedure manuals. 
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization. 
Mathematical: 
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as addition, subtraction, percentages, etc. 
Reasoning: 
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. 
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form. 
Physical: 
  • Ability to perform various functions such as standing, sitting, walking/moving across uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, lifting, pushing, carrying, seeing in varying light conditions, fine finger dexterity, and participating in some physical activities. 
  • The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
Work Environment: 
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $55,000
This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including: 
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
10 Company Holidays 
401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
Free onsite garage parking
Position created on August 13, 2026.

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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