The Opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW is seeking an Engineering Makerspace Manager to lead the strategic and operational delivery of its Makerspace network. These facilities are central to delivering innovative, hands-on, project-based learning that enhances the student experience and develops industry-relevant skills.

In this role, you will oversee multiple Makerspaces across the Faculty and the wider University, ensuring safe, inclusive, and high-performing environments that support teaching, research, and collaboration. You will also lead the Makerbus Community Engagement Program, extending hands-on learning experiences to schools and communities across NSW. Working closely with academic staff, professional teams, and industry partners, you will foster a culture of creativity and innovation while driving continuous improvement and supporting the Faculty’s strategic education objectives.

Role Details

• Salary, Level 9 - $148,012 to $157,055 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full-time
• Continuing (Permanent)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• Onsite role

About You

You are an experienced and strategic leader with a strong background in managing complex operational environments, ideally within engineering, education, or innovation settings. You bring a combination of technical knowledge and operational expertise, with demonstrated experience overseeing multi-site facilities, managing budgets, and leading high-performing teams. With a strong commitment to safety and compliance, you are confident in implementing and maintaining robust WHS practices in workshop or makerspace environments.

With highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication skills, you are able to build effective relationships across students, academics, industry partners, and community organisations. You are passionate about fostering inclusive, collaborative environments that support hands-on learning, creativity, and innovation. You also bring a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities, implement change, and deliver impactful outcomes aligned with strategic priorities.

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged, and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW is a national and international leader in engineering education and research, recognised for delivering an outstanding student experience alongside world-class research impact. As the largest engineering Faculty in Australia, it graduates the highest number of engineers and offers innovative, industry-connected programs that equip students to address complex global challenges. Through excellence in teaching, curriculum innovation, and both fundamental and applied research, the Faculty continues to strengthen its global reputation for producing highly skilled graduates and driving meaningful societal impact. For more information about the Faculty of Engineering please refer to the Faculty website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/about-us

Skills and Experience

• A degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in industry engagement, ideally in an Engineering Faculty in a leading, research-intensive university or other academic institution.
• A significant level of technical knowledge and background in the field of Engineering.
• Demonstrated project management experience with the ability to manage multiple sites and demanding stakeholders; including strategy, budget, staff management, and strong operational management of makerspace environments, preferably in the higher education or industry sectors.
• High level of understanding of the ethos surrounding the makerspace movement (student workshop spaces) and ability to work within that framework.
• High-level organisational skill with demonstrated ability to work with a high level of autonomy, and a developed sense of initiative and responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver a high-level of service with a commitment to continuous improvement and high levels of customer services.
• Excellent communication, promotional and interpersonal skills, including proven ability to interact effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability and capacity to implement required UNSW health and safety policies and procedures.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture

UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​ 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Flexible working options ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

How to apply

Please click the “Apply Now” button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contacts listed below.

Contact

For role-specific inquiries, please contact Julie Hatzi (Deputy Faculty Executive Director)

E: j.hatzi@unsw.edu.au

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Thursday, 4 June 2026

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: - 

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.