Summer Computer Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

TITLE Weissman Foundry Summer Scout

DEPARTMENT Weissman Foundry

REPORTS TO Jonathan Griffiths, jgriffiths@babson.edu

PAY RATE $18.00/hr

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Weissman Foundry is a hands-on makerspace shared by Babson College, Olin College, and Wellesley College that supports prototyping, experimentation, and creative problem solving.

The Summer Scout position supports daily operations of the Foundry during the summer months. Summer Scouts assist with maintaining the space, supporting prototyping work, and helping run hands-on workshops and activities for students and summer program participants.

This is a full-time, in-person position (approximately 35 hours per week) running from late May through early August. Typical hours are Monday-Friday, approximately 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, with some scheduling flexibility.

During the summer, the Foundry will also support Summer at Babson, a program that brings visiting high school students to campus. Summer Scouts will assist with creative workshops and introductory prototyping activities for participants.

Availability during the July 13-31 Summer at Babson program period is strongly preferred. Preference will also be given to applicants who are interested in continuing as a Foundry Scout during the Fall semester.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Assist students, faculty, and program participants using the Foundry with project support, tool guidance, and space access.

• Supervise the safe and proper use of Foundry equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and functionality of the Foundry workspace.

• Support Foundry workshops and summer programming, including activities associated with Summer at Babson.

• Prepare materials and workspace setups for workshops and prototyping activities.

• Help foster a welcoming, collaborative environment for users of the Foundry.

YOUR TEAM WILL INCLUDE

You will work closely with:

• Foundry professional staff

• Scout Managers and other student Scouts

• Student users from Babson, Olin, and Wellesley

• Faculty and staff using the space for classes or projects

Scouts do not supervise other employees but serve as peer mentors and leaders within the space.

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

• Current student at Babson, Olin, or Wellesley Colleges.

• Completion of at least two Foundry tool trainings prior to employment.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Interest in hands-on making, prototyping, or fabrication showcased through a portfolio of your work. Digital 2D or 3D CAD are included here.

• Ability to work independently and responsibly in a shared workspace.

• Willingness to learn new tools and processes over time.

• Ability to assist users and explain basic processes clearly.

• Reliability and strong time management skills.

• Attention to safety and responsibility around tools and equipment.

• Ability to create an environment where direct reports have the freedom and security to take initiative; deal with complexities with resilience, resourcefulness, and optimism; and appreciate open mindedness, creativity, and agility in thought and tactics.

• Ability to embrace ideas and changes created by all community members.

• Ability to work independently to solve problems; look for opportunities to take on responsibility; take thoughtful risks; and effectively act on new and ongoing initiatives, objectives, and solutions to gain sought-after results.

• Ability to anticipate and effectively handles change; demonstrate willingness to try new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.

• Must have strong computer skills including proficiency in Google Drive/Docs and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook/Calendar).

HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK

This role is in-person at the Weissman Foundry on Babson College's campus.

The position runs late May through early August, with a schedule of approximately 35 hours per week. Typical hours are Monday-Friday from roughly 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some flexibility depending on programming needs.

Limited time away during the summer may be possible with advance notice; however, availability during the Summer at Babson program period (July 13-31) is strongly preferred.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE

• These skills are not required but helpful, and many Scouts develop them during their employment:

• Laser cutting and digital fabrication

• 3D printing and CNC processes

• Model making and prototyping techniques

• Adobe Creative Suite (especially Illustrator)

• 2D/3D CAD experience (Adobe Illustrator or Autodesk Fusion preferred)

• Skills developing and prototyping with AI tools including digital image creation, video creation, chatbot creation, or agentic coding preferred.

• Vacuum forming, mold making, and casting

• Machine sewing, apparel construction, and textiles

• Machine embroidery or knitting

• Electronics and physical and digital computing

• Woodworking and traditional craft techniques

• 3D modeling software (Fusion 360, Rhino, SolidWorks, SketchUp)

• Event planning, marketing, or community programming

• AR/VR technologies