Makerspace Manager

ABOUT KHAN LAB SCHOOL

In 2012, Sal Khan wrote   The One World Schoolhouse   that outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.

Khan Lab School is a TK-12 independent school on two campuses serving over 300 students in Silicon Valley, CA. The Lower School (grades TK-5) is located in Palo Alto, CA, and the Middle and Upper Schools (grades 6-12) are located in Mountain View, CA.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Middle School Boys Basketball Coach is responsible for leading and growing the soccer program at Khan Lab School. In addition to having a deep understanding of soccer, the coach should have a nuanced understanding of adolescent development and teaching practices in physical education. We are looking for a team player who has a sense of humor and a passion for working with middle schoolers.  The Middle School Boys Basketball Coach will lead practices twice a week and coach games, as scheduled. They will work about 4-6 hours per week.

POSITION: Makerspace Manager

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Upper School Director

REPORTING LOCATION: 1200 Villa Street, Mountain View, CA 94041

SCHEDULE: Mon. - Fri., 10:00am - 6:00pm, and some nights and weekends for school events, as required.

Management of the Innovation Hub

- Maintain written guides to the use of Innovation Hub equipment, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machines

- Maintain the physical space, including designing for functionality and use, separating iHub materials from Robotics team materials, and maintaining all equipment (including repairs and new purchases as needed)

- Establish and maintain a functioning, organized, and safe workshop environment that supports student and faculty use across all grade levels.

- Design and run the Innovation Hub's tool certification and safety training program, ensuring all students and faculty complete required training and orientation before operating equipment; serve as the designated safety authority for the space, with authority to pause use of any machine or revoke any certification; and maintain all training and authorization records

- Develop reservation procedures for use of machines.

- Manage the Innovation Hub budget, in coordination with the CFOO.

- Participate in regular Budget to Actuals meetings.

Academic Duties

- Mentor and support students in their individual student-driven projects, including Applied Learning projects by checking in on their progress and helping to connect them to outside resources.

- Support the Cornerstones Program (one branch of the Applied Learning program for 10th and 11th graders)

- Design activities for MS students to use the Innovation Hub as a part of Playlab.

- Actively explore and stay current with emerging technologies, including AI tools, and apply them meaningfully to their role.

- Create an inclusive environment where students of diverse backgrounds and political perspectives feel welcome, fostering critical thinking through thoughtful questioning.

- Other duties as assigned.

Contribution to KLS

- Lead an Upper School advisory group

- Support student clubs such as FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Lego League (FLL), the Science Olympiad, STEM Racing, and the iGEM team

- Uphold professional and ethical standards in all interactions within the school community.

- Engage in the broader school community by attending and supporting school events and initiatives that promote student growth.

- Support community-based design-build efforts.

- Work with faculty to design and support student exhibitions twice per year.

- Establish and sustain community partnerships.

Summer Duties

- Provide support for preparing and redeploying student and staff devices for the following school year

- Support updates to the Innovation Hub including repairing, updating, and reorganizing tools and equipment.

- Support and supervise student clubs that require access to the Innovation Hub over the summer

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE INCLUDE

- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

- At least one year of prior high school or college teaching experience, or equivalent experience teaching young people in a maker or design setting, is required.

- Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining/repairing digital fabrication and shop equipment (FDM printers, laser cutter, CNC router, band saw, drill press)

- Proficiency in at least one CAD package (Fusion 360, Onshape, SolidWorks)

- Experience building or running a tool certification / safety training program for minors

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds such as materials, tools, machines, and other equipment.

- Ability to stand and move around the shop for extended periods.

- Ability to work in a shop environment with noise, dust, and fumes, and to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

- Ability to safely operate power tools, digital fabrication equipment, and computers.

- Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.

- Occasionally required to work weekends, nights, or be on-call for special events, which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.

- Ability to properly communicate information and ideas so other people can understand as well as the ability to ascertain and understand information communicated from others.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please submit the following:

- A current resume.

- A cover letter expressing interest in this position.

- A list of 3 professional references and their contact information.

WHAT WE OFFER

Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that have a deep commitment to their work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment anything is possible. All of our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results oriented, and have high expectations for our school and our students.

POSITION DETAILS

Start Date: By 1/5/2027

Status: Full-time, leave replacement until June 15, 2027 with potential for renewal

Number of Positions to be Filled: 1

Classification: Exempt

Salary: $85,000-$100,000

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; a 401K retirement plan with an employer match; basic life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and generous paid time off including paid holidays, sick time, and floating holidays.

Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.