Experience Specialist, Computer Science

DISCOVERY PLACE INC•Charlotte, NC

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Discovery Place (DP) brings science, nature, and design together to create transformative experiences that enable our community to understand, enjoy and apply science to their lives. Operating four museums in the greater Charlotte, NC metropolitan area, serving more than 700,000 people a year through Museum visits, interactive in-school educational programming and community outreach initiatives. Founded in 1946, Discovery Place is shaping a future where people embrace science to create opportunities, build hope, solve problems and bring positive change for our world. Come science with us! Summary The Experience Specialist, Computer Science brings innovation, creativity, and technical expertise to Discovery Place’s programs. This role facilitates programs, engages guests, and develops content and exhibits experiences that merge science and technology across Discovery Place Science, the Charlotte Museum of Nature, Discovery Place Kids, and Youth Development programming. Experiences include but are not limited to camps, classes, workshops, fee-based programs, and museum floor activities for learners of all ages. As an educational institution committed to advancing its mission through exceptional learning experiences and meaningful guest engagement, Discovery Place values programs that inspire curiosity and foster connection. This role ensures that educational excellence and organizational sustainability work together, designing experiences that both inspire guests and help meet participation, attendance, and revenue goals. The Specialist collaborates with colleagues, early learning teams, and Youth Development teams to connect computational learning in the museum with mentorship and youth leadership pathways. Discovery Place recognizes that STEM and design, character values, social-emotional learning, early literacy, and play are all essential in helping every learner feel they belong, can think critically, and create confidently. Content Expertise This position serves as Discovery Place’s content expert in computer science and technology-based STEM education, with advanced understanding of computational thinking, coding, digital fabrication, electronics, robotics, and hardware platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D printer, LEGO Spike, Hummingbirds, and similar tools. The Specialist applies design thinking and problem-solving methodologies to guide program creation and guest experiences. They will integrate STEM education, digital literacy, design thinking, and youth engagement strategies to help learners explore the foundations of computer science and creative technology, ensuring programs and exhibits reflect Discovery Place’s commitment to inquiry, creativity, and sustainability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Computer Science, Engineering, STEM Education, Digital Media, or a related STEM discipline; Master’s preferred.
One to two years of experience in computer science instruction, maker education, robotics, engineering camps, informal STEM learning environments, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of coding platforms, digital tools, fabrication technologies, computing hardware, and safe operation of maker equipment.
Experience in exhibit interpretation, engineering communication, or digital learning facilitation.
Strong written, verbal, and facilitation skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D printing software, Vernier and LoggerPro, LEGO Spike, or equivalent tools preferred.
North Carolina Teaching Certificate or equivalent preferred; safety certification desirable.
Bilingual ability preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Facilitate programs for audiences ages Pre-K through adult, utilizing Museum exhibits, makerspaces, and digital tools in collaboration with early learning and Youth Development Specialists.
Adapt content complexity to fit age and interest, fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence in all learners.
Develop programming including camps, classes, workshops, lab units, museum floor experiences, and special projects.
Incorporate STEM and design, SEL, character values, and belonging throughout all experiences.
Create experiences that engage visitors and contribute to attendance and earned revenue goals, supporting Discovery Place’s educational and financial sustainability.
Contribute to the design and delivery of hands-on, technology-driven exhibits and installations for Discovery Place Science and Charlotte Museum of Nature, including interactive digital installations and Science Buzz stations.
Prototype and test new exhibit and computer science concepts to ensure safety, engagement, and educational quality.
Collaborate with fabrication, exhibits, and design teams to integrate creative technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, and circuitry.
Work closely with the Content and Experience, Early Learning, and Youth Development teams to plan and execute computer science initiatives and special projects including bridge experiences connecting family programs, camps, maker pathways, coding clubs, and youth leadership or mentorship models
Mentor colleagues and volunteers on safe, effective facilitation, tool use, and creative engagement strategies.
Collaborate with schools, community organizations, STEM partners, and technology educators to extend the reach and relevance of programming
Support the creation of contracted projects, including curriculum or learning materials for schools, museums, and educational media partners.
Assist with after-hours programs, adult education, and special events highlighting computer science, digital creativity, engineering, and technology themes
Collaborate with the Director of Research and Evaluation to develop and apply evaluation methods to measure learning outcomes, guest engagement, attendance, and earned revenue impact.
Prototype content and experiences, using data, observations, and learner feedback to refine and enhance digital learning and computer science programming
Follow established Discovery Place procedures and elevate undocumented situations as they arise.
Provide and receive constructive feedback to maintain consistency, safety, and high standards across all programs.
Maintain project timelines and deliverables for efficient, high-quality implementation.
Understand and communicate the link between Discovery Place’s mission and financial sustainability, ensuring that computer science programs and exhibits inspire learning while strengthening earned revenue.
Contributes to a culture of innovation, accountability, and operational excellence that sustains Discovery Place’s community impact.