Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is seeking a Technology and Prototyping Manager to lead the University’s Unleash Space Makerspace and strengthen design, prototyping and emerging-technology capability for students and staff.

This role provides both strategic and operational leadership for CIE’s prototyping environment, ensuring our facilities, systems and learning experiences are safe, inclusive and future focused. You will support the development of design and prototyping capability, integrate emerging technologies including AI into innovation learning and contribute to CIE’s work with early-stage ideas and venture development.

The position also contributes to CIE’s emerging focus on developing scalable models, tools and training resources that over time can support faculties and staff to embed design and prototyping into teaching, research and innovation activities.
 

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent role.
The remuneration is $90,000 - $110,000 per annum, dependent on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description.
 

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) works with students and staff from all faculties to build innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities. We nurture talent, support early-stage venture development, collaborate with academics to embed innovation capability in curricula, provide innovation communities and prototyping facilities and help strengthen the University’s profile as a global powerhouse of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

CIE is a multi-award-winning centre, winning 14 international awards since 2020. Including the University being named the 2025 Global Innovative and Entrepreneurial University of the Year, which recognises its leadership in developing impactful innovation capabilities and fostering a vibrant, inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Unleash Space is our makerspace and innovation hub where students and staff access equipment, tools and learning opportunities to explore ideas, develop prototypes and build creative confidence. CIE is a collaborative and values-led team committed to enabling innovation that creates meaningful impact for Aotearoa and the world.
 

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are an experienced professional with strong technical capability in prototype development and the operation of specialist equipment. You understand how people learn through hands-on experimentation and are committed to creating safe, inclusive and productive environments. You are confident managing activity in complex technical spaces, developing learning resources and supporting a wide range of users. You build effective relationships across academic, technical and founder communities, and are comfortable advising on prototyping workflows, design processes and emerging technologies. You bring sound judgement, strong communication skills and a commitment to continuous improvement and responsible innovation.
 

Ngā Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

In this role you will:

• Lead the strategic and operational management of the Unleash Space Makerspace
• Develop and refine CIE’s co-curricular offerings in design, prototyping and emerging technologies
• Integrate prototyping capability into CIE programmes and early-stage venture development
• Support faculties to embed design and prototyping capability into teaching, research and innovation initiatives
• Develop scalable training materials, resources and processes that support consistent delivery
• Provide expert advice in prototyping, design thinking, innovation processes and product design
• Ensure the makerspace remains safe, compliant and professionally operated
• Recruit, train and mentor staff and student Creative Technologists
• Build effective relationships with technical teams, academics, students, staff and external partners
• Champion the role of Unleash Space in supporting innovation across the University

You will bring:

• 5 to 10 years’ experience in a makerspace, prototyping lab or similar environment
• Strong analogue and digital prototyping skills such as 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, electronics or CAD/CAM
• Experience designing and developing structured learning or training programmes
• Demonstrated experience developing prototypes from concept through iterative development
• Strong facilitation, communication and mentoring skills
• Experience using or interest in emerging technology and AI tools relevant to prototyping
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, inclusion and responsible innovation
• Relevant qualifications in engineering, architecture, design or similar fields
• A current First Aid certificate or willingness to obtain one
   

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Excellent campus facilities
• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and several discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit our Staff Benefits page.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of 11 January 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

If you have any questions about this role, you’re welcome to contact Phoebe Wedge, Recruitment Consultant, for a confidential discussion via [email protected]. Please note we do not accept applications by email.

In person interviews are currently scheduled for 20-22 January. 

Holiday Break Notice

We’re taking a short break! Our Recruitment team will be away from 22 December and back on 5 January.
During this time, we won’t be processing applications, but don’t worry, we’ll be in touch when we return.

Thank you for your interest in joining Waipapa Taumata Rau - The University of Auckland. Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz