Los Alamos is home to an extraordinary community of retired scientists, engineers, and technical professionals. Years of experience, practical insight, and problem-solving intuition don’t disappear at retirement — and many people are looking for meaningful, flexible ways to stay engaged.

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At Los Alamos Makers, we’re creating space for that experience to continue circulating — informally and across generations.

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What This Is (and Isn’t)

This is not a formal volunteer program.
This is not teaching a class or committing to a schedule.
This is not a mentorship obligation.

This is an invitation to:

• Share perspective when it feels useful

• Engage in thoughtful conversations around real projects

• Offer advice, stories, or feedback drawn from experience

• Participate occasionally, on your own terms

Even an hour now and then can make a difference.

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Why Los Alamos Makers?

Los Alamos Makers is a community-run makerspace and innovation hub where people learn by doing. Members include artists, students, hobbyists, entrepreneurs, and technologists working on everything from creative fabrication to early-stage prototypes.

People come to Makers to experiment, build, and learn — and many benefit enormously from experienced voices who can help them think through design choices, tradeoffs, and real-world constraints.

Your experience helps bridge that gap.

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Ways You Might Engage

You choose what fits your interests and energy level. Examples include:

• Coffee & Conversation Mornings
  Informal gatherings with coffee and open conversation — no agenda.

• Ask an Engineer Office Hours
  Drop-in conversations where makers bring real questions and projects.

• Project Walkthrough & Design Feedback Nights
  Short project overviews followed by discussion and insight.

• Roundtables & Story Nights
  Conversations centered on lessons learned, career reflections, and what you wish you’d known earlier.

You’re welcome to attend one event, several, or simply stop by occasionally.

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What You’ll Get Out of It

Many retired participants tell us they value:

• Staying intellectually engaged

• Seeing new ideas take shape

• Thoughtful, intergenerational conversations

• A sense of continued contribution

• A welcoming, curious community

There’s no pressure to “perform” — just space to connect.

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Who This Is For

• Retired or semi-retired scientists and engineers

• Technical professionals with hands-on experience

• LANL retirees and others living in or near Los Alamos

• People who enjoy thoughtful problem-solving and conversation

No prior makerspace experience required.

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Curious? Start with a Conversation.

If this sounds interesting, the best next step is simple.​

• Attend a pilot event

• Reach out for an informal chat

 Hello@losalamosmakers.org

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Experience doesn’t retire.

It just finds new ways to be useful.