Spark!Lab Inventor (IS-1001-09)

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, Division of Public History, National Museum of American History (NMAH), Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Lemelson Center’s mission is to promote public understanding of the history and role of invention and innovation in society. This position furthers the Center’s mission in the area of public education and outreach to diverse local and national audiences. The Spark!Lab Inventor is responsible for the development of new, hands-on and digital educational activities and programs for Spark!Lab, the Spark!Lab Network, and the Lemelson Hall of Invention (LHOI) exhibit space. The Spark!Lab Inventor also assists in the daily management and maintenance of these public spaces. The Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab, located at NMAH, is a hands-on invention learning space which provides museum visitors, particularly children and their families, the opportunity to engage in the invention process through history, engineering, science, and creative activities. The Spark!Lab Network is an extension of the NMAH-based Spark!Lab with sites in local history museums, science centers, and other institutions. This position requires occasional national and international travel in accordance with Smithsonian Institution policy.

Requirements

Knowledge of learning theory, education practice, and audience behavior to guide and inform the creation of interactive activities for children and families.
Familiarity with 2D and 3D design and Computer Aided Manufacturing software to create hands-on or digital educational activities and programs.
Familiarity with fabrication methods and tools such as 2D and 3D printers, CNC machines, and other tools and equipment to produce hands-on educational activities.
Skill in working towards products that require research and development, where methods and techniques may be unknown, and developing new skill sets when not already established.
Ability to solve problems, work independently, and coordinate multiple projects and activities simultaneously.
Knowledge of basic project management concepts and processes to organize, sequence, and prioritize project tasks independently.
Skill in interpersonal relationships for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with a broad range of people.

Responsibilities

Creates, produces, and maintains inventive, hands-on and digital activities and programs for Spark!Lab, the Spark!Lab Network, and Lemelson Hall of Invention (LHOI).
Assesses activity designs, function, and visitor response to inform alterations for Spark!Lab at National Museum of American History and Spark!Lab Network sites.
Conceives, plans, prototypes, refines, evaluates, and puts into practice informal, hands-on learning activities and programs using 2D and 3D design and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software.
Operates and maintains advanced manufacturing tools and equipment such as CNC router machines and 3D printers.
Uses digital design platforms and software, such as Tinkercad, Instructables, or Roblox Studio, to create digital versions of invention activities and programs for online outreach to youth and families.
Leads, with Head of Invention Education and Spark!Lab Network Manager, hands-on invention education workshops for families, youth, teachers, and museum education professionals.
Performs routine maintenance on hands-on educational and exhibit components for Spark!Lab, Spark!Lab Network, and Lemelson Hall of Invention (LHOI), including inspections, repairs, record-keeping, and ordering.