Foundry Scout at Babson College in Wellesley, MA

TITLE                                                  Weissman Foundry Scout

DEPARTMENT                                  Weissman Foundry

REPORTS TO                                    Jonathan Griffiths, jgriffiths@babson.edu

PAY RATE                                         $15.00/hr

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Weissman Foundry is a transdisciplinary, student-centered makerspace shared by Babson College, Olin College, and Wellesley College. The space supports hands-on experimentation, prototyping, and creative problem-solving through fabrication tools, collaborative programs, and community events.

Foundry Scouts are student staff members who support the daily operations of the space. Scouts assist students and faculty with projects, supervise equipment usage, maintain a safe and welcoming environment, and help cultivate a collaborative culture across the BOW campuses.

Scouts work approximately 8–15 hours per week and are appointed on a semester-by-semester basis. Returning Scouts may be asked to reapply each semester, with preference given to current team members who demonstrate strong performance and engagement.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Assist students, faculty, and staff using the Foundry with basic project support, space access, and tool guidance.
• Supervise the safe and proper use of equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and functionality of the Foundry workspace.
• Support Foundry programs, including workshops, classes, and events as needed.
• Serve as a student ambassador and help foster an inclusive, collaborative community within the Foundry.
• Continue developing knowledge of fabrication tools, technologies, and prototyping processes used in the space.

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.
• 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

Scouts work on-site in the Weissman Foundry makerspace at Babson College, supporting students from Babson, Olin, and Wellesley.

Work consists of:

• Staffing shifts in the makerspace
• Supporting users working on projects
• Maintaining tools, shared resources, and spaces
• Participating in team meetings and trainings

Typical shifts occur throughout the week and weekend, with preference for students who have morning and early afternoon availability.

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