Maker Education Fabricator: Prototyping and Experience Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Maker Education Fabricator: Prototyping and Experience Design

Company: NORY

Location: New York, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Operations (Curriculum Development & Educational Program Management)

Date Posted: April 18, 2026

Experience Level: Entry to Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the design and development of innovative STEM learning experiences for children aged 3-12, emphasizing hands-on prototyping and creative problem-solving.

• It involves curriculum creation and instructional design, requiring a deep understanding of child development and engaging pedagogical approaches.

• The position necessitates strong stakeholder communication and training skills, particularly for empowering educators to deliver curriculum effectively across multiple locations.

• A key aspect is experience design, creating immersive and impactful learning journeys akin to renowned entertainment experiences, requiring a blend of creativity and structured planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Maker Education Fabricator" might initially suggest a purely technical role, the description and responsibilities clearly indicate a strong emphasis on curriculum development, instructional design, and educational program management. This role sits at the intersection of technical fabrication skills and educational strategy, requiring someone who can translate complex technical concepts into age-appropriate, engaging learning experiences. The "Operations" category is applied here because curriculum development and program delivery are critical operational functions within an educational organization, directly impacting the quality and scalability of its services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and Develop Hands-On STEM Projects: Conceptualize, prototype, and refine engaging, interdisciplinary learning projects that foster resilience, inquisitiveness, and empathy in children aged 3-12, utilizing techniques like woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, and basic electronics.

• Create Immersive Learning Experiences: Infuse learning journeys with compelling storytelling and thematic elements to create magical, impactful, and memorable educational experiences, drawing inspiration from high-quality entertainment design.

• Develop and Document Curriculum: Translate project concepts into clear, actionable curriculum materials, including lesson plans, activity guides, and facilitator notes, ensuring seamless integration of multiple learning points.

• Train and Coach Educators: Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs for NORY teachers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to execute the curriculum effectively, manage classroom dynamics, and foster a positive learning environment.

• Apply Child Development Insights: Leverage understanding of developmental stages and interests for children aged 3-12 to tailor learning experiences and project complexity, ensuring age-appropriateness and maximum engagement.

• Utilize Digital Fabrication Tools: Employ tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Microbits to create prototypes and final project components, demonstrating proficiency in digital fabrication techniques.

• Integrate Coding Concepts (as applicable): Develop and implement coding-focused projects using platforms like Scratch, empowering older children to engage with robotics and advanced computational thinking.

• Communicate Vision Across Campuses: Utilize multi-channel communication, with a particular focus on video, to effectively disseminate curriculum vision, project instructions, and best practices to educators across all NORY locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific actions involved in curriculum development and educator enablement, incorporating keywords like "instructional design," "pedagogical approaches," "facilitator notes," and "classroom dynamics" which are crucial for operations roles in education. The emphasis on "stakeholder communication" is broadened to include "educator training" and "dissemination of best practices," reflecting the operational necessity of ensuring consistent program delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Education, STEM field (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, Design), or a related discipline is preferred, demonstrating foundational knowledge in relevant areas.

Experience: 2-5 years of direct experience in maker education, curriculum development, instructional design, or a related role, with a proven track record of creating and delivering engaging learning programs for children.

Required Skills:

• Maker Education Expertise: Proven ability to design and implement hands-on STEM projects using a variety of tools and materials.

• Prototyping and Fabrication Skills: Proficiency in woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, and basic electronics (circuits, motors).

• Curriculum Development: Experience in designing lesson plans, learning modules, and educational content tailored for specific age groups.

• Design Thinking Methodology: Ability to apply a user-centered approach to problem-solving and experience creation.

• Child Development Knowledge: Understanding of the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children aged 3-12.

• Communication & Presentation Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with a demonstrated ability to create and deliver engaging presentations and training materials, especially via video.

• Teacher Training & Coaching: Experience in coaching and empowering educators to deliver educational content effectively.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying challenges in learning design and developing creative, practical solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Mechatronics and Robotics: Experience with platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Microbits for creating interactive projects.

• Coding Proficiency: Familiarity with visual programming languages like Scratch.

• Experience Design: Background in creating immersive and thematic experiences, akin to entertainment or themed attractions.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and resources effectively.

• Video Production/Editing: Skills in creating instructional or promotional videos.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to clearly delineate between required and preferred skills, with a focus on the operational aspects of the role. "Maker Education Expertise" and "Prototyping and Fabrication Skills" are core to the "fabricator" aspect, while "Curriculum Development," "Child Development Knowledge," and "Teacher Training & Coaching" highlight the operational execution and program management side. The "Experience Design" preference aligns with the "Disney World of STEM" analogy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Documentation of Maker Projects: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of completed maker projects. This should include detailed descriptions of the project's purpose, the materials and tools used, the design process, and the final outcome.

• Demonstration of Fabrication Techniques: Evidence of proficiency in woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, and basic electronics, with clear examples of how these techniques were applied to create functional or educational components.

• Learning Experience Design Examples: Showcase projects or initiatives where you designed an educational experience for children, illustrating your ability to translate technical concepts into engaging learning activities.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Include examples where you identified a learning challenge or design constraint and how you creatively overcame it through prototyping and iteration.

• Purpose-Driven Inventions: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your inventions. The portfolio should highlight projects that align with fostering resilience, inquisitiveness, or empathy, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to educational impact.

Process Documentation:

• Project Lifecycle Documentation: Show examples of how you document the process of taking a project from initial concept to a fully realized learning activity, including ideation, prototyping, testing, and refinement phases.

• Curriculum Material Samples: Provide samples of lesson plans, activity guides, or teacher training materials you have developed, demonstrating clarity, structure, and pedagogical soundness.

• Teacher Training Materials: If applicable, include examples of training materials or methods used to onboard and empower educators.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is crucial for an operations role focused on curriculum and program development. The portfolio requirements are tailored to assess not just technical fabrication skills but also their application in an educational context. Emphasis is placed on documenting the process of creation and the purpose behind the projects, which are key indicators of an operations professional's ability to replicate and scale successful initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year.

Benefits:

• 401K Retirement Plan: Provides a structured savings plan for long-term financial security.

• Health and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage to support employee well-being.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Allows for dedicated time for rest, recuperation, and personal pursuits, crucial for maintaining work-life balance in a demanding role.

Working Hours: This is a Part-Time position. While specific hours are not detailed, typical part-time roles in this sector often require 20-29 hours per week. Flexibility may be available, but on-site presence for project development and potential teacher training sessions is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is confirmed from the input. The benefits are listed with a brief explanation of their value to an employee, a common practice in professional job descriptions. The "Working Hours" are clarified to reflect the "PART_TIME" employment type, with an inference about typical hours and the necessity of on-site commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology / STEM Education. NORY operates within the growing EdTech and enrichment sector, aiming to provide high-quality, engaging STEM learning experiences for K-12 students. The company positions itself as a leader in informal STEM education, akin to a leading entertainment brand in its approach to engagement.

Company Size: NORY is described as the largest STEM camp provider in NYC, serving 3000+ campers annually. This suggests a growing organization with established operational capacity but likely still maintaining a dynamic, startup-like culture focused on innovation and expansion.

Founded: While not explicitly stated, the company's scale and ambition imply a history of growth and development, likely founded within the last decade to capitalize on the increasing demand for STEM education.

Team Structure:

• Curriculum Development Team: This role is likely part of a dedicated team responsible for creating and iterating on NORY's educational offerings.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with camp directors, lead instructors, and potentially marketing/operations teams to ensure seamless program delivery and feedback integration.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Curriculum Lead, Head of Education, or a similar management position overseeing educational program development.

Methodology:

• Design-Driven Learning: NORY emphasizes creating "magical, impactful, and memorable" learning experiences, suggesting a strong focus on user experience (UX) design principles applied to education.

• Iterative Development: The mention of "design-thinking process" and continuous improvement implies an iterative approach to curriculum development, with regular feedback loops.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: The company values decisions grounded in "data and logic," indicating that program effectiveness and camper engagement are likely tracked and analyzed to inform future curriculum.

Company Website: http://www.nory.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture section is fleshed out to provide context relevant to an operations professional. The industry is defined, and the company size is interpreted in terms of its operational implications. The "Methodology" section highlights NORY's approach to curriculum development and decision-making, which is critical for understanding how operations are managed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a key contributor in the educational operations, specifically within curriculum and program development. It’s suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience looking to deepen their expertise in instructional design, maker education, and program implementation.

Reporting Structure: The Maker Education Fabricator will likely report to a Curriculum Manager or Head of Education. This structure allows for guidance on educational strategy and curriculum standards while providing autonomy in project development and fabrication.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the quality and scalability of NORY's educational programs. By designing engaging and effective STEM experiences and training educators, the Fabricator directly influences camper learning outcomes, teacher satisfaction, and the overall brand reputation of NORY as a leading STEM education provider.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in EdTech Curriculum: Develop advanced skills in designing digital and physical learning experiences, becoming an expert in creating innovative STEM curricula for young learners.

• Leadership in Educational Program Design: Potential to move into roles with greater responsibility for overseeing curriculum development, managing educational projects, and mentoring junior educators.

• Cross-Functional Operational Expertise: Gain exposure to broader operational aspects of an educational organization, including program logistics, teacher management, and impact measurement, opening doors to program management roles.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the future of STEM education by developing cutting-edge learning methodologies and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on how this role fits into the broader operations landscape of an educational organization and outlines potential career trajectories for individuals in such positions. The "Operations Impact" is defined in terms of influence on program quality and scalability, while "Growth Opportunities" are framed around specialization and leadership within educational operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a need for physical presence at a NORY facility, likely a workshop, makerspace, or office environment that supports hands-on fabrication and curriculum development.

Office Location(s): Primarily based in New York, United States, with potential for travel or collaboration across other NORY campuses as the company expands.

Workspace Context:

• Makerspace Access: The role will likely have access to well-equipped makerspaces with tools for woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, and electronics, facilitating the prototyping and fabrication aspects of the job.

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic and collaborative workspace where interaction with fellow educators, curriculum developers, and potentially camp staff is encouraged for feedback and idea exchange.

• Resource Availability: Access to necessary materials, software, and technology for curriculum development and project creation will be provided.

Work Schedule: As a part-time position, the weekly schedule will be structured but may offer some flexibility. However, the on-site requirement means consistent availability during designated working hours is expected for project work, meetings, and potential teacher training sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described with an emphasis on the practical aspects relevant to a "fabricator" role and an educational operations setting, highlighting access to tools and collaborative spaces. The on-site nature is emphasized as critical for this type of hands-on and training-intensive role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and, crucially, the submitted visual portfolio showcasing maker projects and educational design capabilities.

• Portfolio Deep Dive & Skills Assessment: An interview likely featuring a discussion about the candidate's portfolio, focusing on their design process, problem-solving approach, and understanding of child development. This may include practical exercises or case studies related to curriculum design or fabrication challenges.

• Instructional Skills & Teacher Empathy Evaluation: Assessment of the candidate's ability to communicate effectively and train others, possibly through a mock training session or presentation on a project.

• Cultural Fit & Values Alignment: Interviews to gauge alignment with NORY's core "Ways of Being" values, ensuring the candidate can contribute to a purposeful, collaborative, and data-driven team environment.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Purpose and Process: Beyond just the final product, clearly articulate the "why" behind each project and detail the iterative design and fabrication process.

• Highlight Educational Impact: For each project, explain how it fosters inquisitiveness, resilience, or empathy in children.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples across various fabrication methods (woodworking, 3D printing, electronics, coding) and age groups (3-12).

• Organize for Clarity: Present your portfolio in a visually appealing and logically structured format (e.g., a dedicated website, a well-organized PDF) that is easy for reviewers to navigate.

• Quantify Achievements (if possible): If a project led to specific learning outcomes or engagement metrics, include that data.

Challenge Preparation:

• Curriculum Design Challenge: Be prepared to outline how you would design a specific STEM learning experience for a given age group and learning objective, considering available tools and constraints.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Anticipate questions about how you would address common challenges in maker education, such as material limitations, safety concerns, or varying student skill levels.

• Teacher Training Scenario: Practice explaining a complex technical concept or project to a non-technical audience, simulating a teacher training session.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, emphasizing the critical role of the portfolio and how to prepare for interviews by focusing on NORY's specific values and operational needs in curriculum development and educator enablement. The "Portfolio Review Tips" are tailored to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Fabrication Equipment: Access to and proficiency with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines (potentially), and various woodworking and crafting tools.

• Electronics Prototyping: Experience with breadboards, microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Microbits), sensors, motors, and basic circuitry components.

• CAD/Design Software: Proficiency in software for 3D modeling (e.g., Tinkercad, Fusion 360, SolidWorks) and potentially vector graphics for laser cutting (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Platforms (Potential): While not explicitly stated, NORY may use platforms to track camper engagement and learning outcomes, requiring data interpretation skills.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira may be used for managing curriculum development timelines and tasks.

CRM & Automation:

• Communication Platforms: Proficient use of email, video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet), and potentially internal communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams) for coordinating with educators and stakeholders.

• Content Creation Tools: Software for creating instructional videos, presentations, and documentation (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Google Workspace).

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the expected technical proficiencies. It highlights both the hands-on fabrication tools and the digital design/communication software essential for this operations role in curriculum development and program delivery. The inclusion of "Learning Analytics Platforms" is an inference based on NORY's stated value of data-driven decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Action: A drive to understand the "why" behind every curriculum decision and project, fostering intrinsic motivation in both educators and campers.

• "How to Make it Work" Mindset: A proactive, solution-oriented approach to challenges in curriculum design and implementation, prioritizing feasibility and execution.

• Data and Logic-Driven Decisions: Commitment to using data and logical reasoning to inform curriculum development, program improvements, and operational strategies.

• Accountability and Discipline: Taking ownership of responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and adhering to high standards in all aspects of curriculum creation and delivery.

• Feedback and Growth Orientation: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback from educators, campers, and stakeholders to continuously improve learning experiences and personal development.

• Thorough Analysis: Deeply understanding problems before proposing solutions, avoiding superficial fixes for sustainable and scalable educational programs.

• Unifying and Empathetic: Contributing to a positive, collaborative team environment, demonstrating empathy and compassion towards colleagues and the children served.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with educators, camp leadership, and other departments to ensure curriculum aligns with NORY's overall mission and operational capabilities.

• Iterative Design Process: Engaging in a collaborative feedback loop where curriculum ideas and prototypes are shared, reviewed, and refined with input from various team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in discussions and sharing best practices in maker education, curriculum design, and effective teaching methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section elaborates on NORY's stated "Ways of Being" values, translating them into actionable expectations for operations professionals. It emphasizes how these values inform daily work, decision-making, and collaboration within the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Scalability: Designing innovative, "magical" experiences that can be consistently and effectively delivered across multiple NORY campuses by various educators.

• Adapting to Diverse Learning Needs: Creating curriculum that caters to a wide range of developmental stages, skill levels, and learning styles within the 3-12 age group.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying current with rapidly evolving maker technologies and pedagogical approaches to ensure NORY's offerings remain cutting-edge.

• Effective Educator Enablement: Ensuring that even educators with varying technical backgrounds can confidently and enthusiastically deliver complex STEM curricula.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Curriculum Design: Opportunities to lead the development of new program areas or specialized workshops, deepening expertise in instructional design and pedagogical theory.

• Technology Exploration: Access to and training on new fabrication technologies and software, allowing for continuous skill enhancement in digital making.

• Leadership in Educator Training: Potential to develop and refine NORY's teacher training programs, becoming a key figure in educator professional development.

• Industry Engagement: Possibility of attending relevant conferences or workshops in maker education, STEM, or experience design to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential operational challenges inherent in the role and the organization, framing them as opportunities for professional growth and skill development. It highlights the dynamic nature of working in EdTech and curriculum development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a hands-on learning project for children. What was the learning objective, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on purpose, process, and impact).

• "How would you design a curriculum module for 7-year-olds on basic circuits, ensuring it's engaging and teaches core concepts?" (Assess curriculum design skills and age-appropriateness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do NORY's 'Ways of Being' values resonate with your personal and professional approach to work?" (Prepare specific examples of how you embody values like purposefulness, solution-orientation, and empathy).

• "What does 'creating magical, impactful, and memorable' learning experiences mean to you in the context of STEM education?" (Showcase understanding of NORY's brand and mission).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project in your portfolio, narrate the journey from initial idea to final product, highlighting challenges, solutions, and learning outcomes.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your projects foster key traits like resilience, inquisitiveness, and empathy in children.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly explain your design and fabrication process, showing your iterative approach and problem-solving skills.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your material choices, design decisions, and pedagogical rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions and preparation strategies tailored to the specific role, company values, and operational requirements of NORY. It guides candidates on how to showcase their relevant skills and align with the company's culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Visual Portfolio: Carefully select and organize examples of your maker projects that best demonstrate your skills in woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, and coding. Ensure each project clearly articulates its purpose, your design process, and the educational impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience in curriculum development, instructional design, maker education, and child development. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements where possible.

• Craft Your "Why You?" Note: Write a concise and compelling note explaining why you are the perfect fit for NORY and this specific role, directly addressing your passion for maker education, your alignment with NORY's values, and your ability to create impactful learning experiences.

• Research NORY's Mission and Values: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with NORY's website, particularly their summer programs and "Ways of Being" values, to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.