Maker Education Fabricator: Prototyping and Experience Design (NYC, Full-Time)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Maker Education Fabricator: Prototyping and Experience Design

Company: NORY

Location: New York, United States

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Education / Curriculum Development / STEM Education

Date Posted: May 22, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and fabricate innovative, hands-on STEM learning experiences for children aged 3-12, focusing on robotics, engineering, and woodworking.

• Develop immersive, thematic learning environments akin to Disney World rides, integrating storytelling and interdisciplinary concepts.

• Create and deliver comprehensive training programs for educators to effectively implement NORY's curriculum and project-based learning methodologies.

• Leverage a deep understanding of child development to tailor educational content and activities to specific age groups and learning styles.

• Utilize a variety of fabrication tools and technologies, including 3D printing, laser cutting, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and woodworking equipment, to bring educational concepts to life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description indicate a strong emphasis on hands-on creation and educational experience design, positioning this role within a unique intersection of fabrication, curriculum development, and child psychology within the STEM education sector. The "Maker Education Fabricator" title suggests a practical, "build-it" approach to curriculum design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and construct engaging, age-appropriate STEM projects and prototypes in areas such as robotics, electronics, engineering, and woodworking for children aged 3-12.

• Develop thematic "worlds" and integrated learning experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking, drawing inspiration from immersive entertainment experiences.

• Create detailed project guides, lesson plans, and training materials for educators, ensuring clear instructions and educational objectives.

• Conduct hands-on training sessions and ongoing coaching for teachers across NORY campuses to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery of maker-based educational programs.

• Collaborate with the curriculum development team to integrate new technologies, materials, and pedagogical approaches into existing and future NORY programs.

• Manage and maintain fabrication equipment, tools, and materials, ensuring a safe and efficient workshop environment.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in maker education, educational technology, and child development to continuously innovate and improve NORY's learning offerings.

• Document project development processes, learning outcomes, and teacher feedback to inform future curriculum enhancements and operational efficiencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative design, practical fabrication, and educational leadership, requiring the candidate to not only build but also to train and empower others to deliver the educational vision. This implies a need for strong instructional design and communication skills in addition to technical fabrication expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in hands-on fabrication, prototyping, or product development, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse skill sets.

• Proven experience in designing and delivering educational programs or workshops, particularly for children aged 3-12, is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Prototyping and Fabrication: Expertise in designing and building physical projects using a range of materials and techniques, including electronics, woodworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting.

• Design Thinking & Experience Design: Ability to conceptualize and create engaging, immersive learning experiences that foster creativity and problem-solving.

• Child Development Knowledge: Deep understanding of the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children aged 3-12 to inform project design and pedagogical approaches.

• Curriculum Development & Training: Skill in developing clear, actionable educational materials and effectively training instructors to implement them.

• Storytelling & Thematic Creation: Ability to craft compelling narratives and thematic elements to enhance the educational impact and engagement of learning experiences.

• Tool Proficiency: Hands-on experience with tools and platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Microbits, Scratch, and various CAD/CAM software.

Preferred Skills:

• Robotics and Mechatronics: Experience in designing and building robotic systems or mechatronic devices.

• Woodworking Skills: Advanced proficiency in woodworking techniques and machinery.

• Video Production/Communication: Experience in creating video content for instructional or communication purposes.

• Coding: Familiarity with programming languages beyond Scratch, particularly for microcontroller-based projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong practical and creative foundation in fabrication alongside pedagogical skills. The portfolio requirement is central, demanding tangible evidence of diverse making skills and the ability to articulate the educational value of creations. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a need for someone who is beyond entry-level but not yet a senior leader, capable of independent creation and training.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Fabrication Showcase: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a breadth of maker projects, including examples in:

  • Electronics (circuits, motors, sensors)
  • Woodworking (joinery, finishing, construction)
  • 3D Printing (design, slicing, material properties)
  • Laser Cutting (design, material compatibility, assembly)
  • Microcontroller Programming (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Microbits)

• Educational Rationale: For each project included, clearly explain its purpose, target age group, intended learning outcomes (e.g., problem-solving, scientific principles, engineering concepts), and its potential educational impact.

• Design Process Documentation: Include examples of design sketches, CAD models, prototypes, and iterations that illustrate the design thinking and problem-solving process.

• Interdisciplinary Integration: Highlight projects that successfully blend multiple disciplines (e.g., STEM with art or storytelling).

Process Documentation:

• Project Development Workflows: Demonstrate an understanding of how to move a project from concept to a deliverable educational experience, including planning, prototyping, testing, and refinement phases.

• Training Material Design: Showcase examples of how complex technical or pedagogical concepts are simplified into accessible training materials for educators.

• Feedback Integration: Illustrate how feedback from users (children, teachers) has been incorporated to improve project designs or delivery methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary screening tool. It needs to go beyond just showcasing finished products; it must articulate the educational intent and design process behind each creation, demonstrating how the candidate translates technical skills into impactful learning experiences for young children.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

Working Hours:

• This position is listed as Part-Time. The data indicates 40 hours per week, which is typically full-time. This discrepancy suggests a need for clarification from the employer. If truly part-time, the weekly hours would be less than 40. If full-time, the "Part-Time" designation may be an error. Assuming the 40-hour figure is accurate for the expected workload, this would translate to a standard 5-day work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $70,000-$90,000 aligns with mid-level roles in specialized educational or creative fields in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City. The "Not applicable" for benefits is unusual for a role that might be considered full-time based on hours, and the "Part-Time" designation alongside 40 hours weekly warrants clarification. For a part-time role, the salary would typically be prorated. Based on the provided salary range and assuming a full-time equivalent, this is a competitive offering for a specialized maker educator in NYC.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: STEM Education, EdTech, Experiential Learning. NORY operates within the rapidly growing market for out-of-school STEM programs, aiming to make learning magical and impactful for children. Their approach positions them as a premium provider, akin to "Disney World of STEM education."

Company Size: NORY is a growing organization, serving over 4000 campers annually across NYC and Boston. While the exact employee count isn't provided, this scale suggests a company size that is beyond a small startup but still agile and focused on rapid expansion and innovation.

Founded: Specific founding date not provided, but the company's established presence and significant camper numbers indicate several years of operation and growth.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Curriculum Focus: The role of Maker Education Fabricator is central to NORY's core offering. The team likely includes curriculum developers, educators, camp counselors, and administrative staff.

• Reporting: The candidate would likely report to a Head of Curriculum, Education Director, or a similar leadership role responsible for program development and execution.

• Collaboration: This role requires extensive cross-functional collaboration, particularly with teachers across all NORY campuses, other curriculum developers, and potentially marketing/operations teams to showcase NORY's work.

Methodology:

• Experiential & Project-Based Learning: NORY's core methodology is hands-on, project-based learning, emphasizing making, prototyping, and problem-solving.

• Immersive Storytelling: A key differentiator is the integration of storytelling and thematic design to create engaging, "magical" learning environments.

• Data-Driven Improvement: The company values data and logic, suggesting that program effectiveness, camper engagement, and teacher feedback are systematically collected and analyzed to drive improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: NORY's culture appears to be highly creative, mission-driven, and focused on delivering exceptional, immersive educational experiences. The "Disney World of STEM" analogy suggests a high standard for engagement, creativity, and impact. The "Ways of Being" values highlight a commitment to purpose, problem-solving, data-driven decisions, accountability, feedback, and empathy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Maker Education Fabricator," indicating a mid-level specialist role. It requires significant technical and creative expertise in fabrication and education design but may not involve direct management of a large team. It's a hands-on role focused on creation and enablement.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior member of the education or curriculum development team, such as a Curriculum Manager or Director of Education. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while providing autonomy in project creation and teacher training.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial and direct. The fabricator is responsible for creating the tangible learning experiences that are the core of NORY's offering. Their work directly influences the quality of education delivered to thousands of campers and impacts the professional development and capabilities of hundreds of teachers. Successful projects and effective training contribute directly to NORY's reputation, camper satisfaction, and overall growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific fabrication technologies (e.g., advanced robotics, sustainable materials, interactive installations) or pedagogical approaches (e.g., early childhood STEM, entrepreneurship education for kids).

• Curriculum Leadership: Transition into a lead curriculum developer or program manager role, overseeing a broader range of educational content and initiatives.

• Teacher Development: Grow into a role focused exclusively on educator training and professional development, becoming a master facilitator and coach.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Potentially move into roles that bridge education with product development, marketing content creation, or operational efficiency within NORY's growing structure.

• Innovation Lead: Contribute to NORY's research and development efforts for new camp concepts and learning technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is strongly tied to NORY's expansion and innovation in STEM education. Opportunities exist to become a subject matter expert, a leader in educational design, or to contribute to the strategic direction of NORY's programmatic offerings. The emphasis on impact and immediate feedback from campers and teachers provides a strong foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, implying access to dedicated maker spaces, workshops, and potentially office areas for curriculum development and teacher training. NORY's description of "magical" learning experiences suggests a vibrant, creative, and potentially colorful environment.

Office Location(s): New York City, United States. This implies working within a dynamic urban setting, with access to a large pool of potential campers, educators, and resources. Specific campus locations or a central fabrication studio would be relevant.

Workspace Context:

• Creative Hub: Expect a workspace equipped with a variety of fabrication tools and materials—3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking tools, electronics benches, computers with relevant software.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The role requires close interaction with teachers, fellow curriculum developers, and potentially NORY leadership. This suggests a team-oriented environment where ideas are shared and feedback is actively solicited.

• Child-Centric Design: The workspace and the projects developed will be primarily for children, so the environment will likely reflect this focus, possibly with vibrant colors, accessible workstations, and safety as a paramount concern.

Work Schedule: While listed as "Part-Time" with an indication of 40 hours, a typical on-site role in a dynamic educational setting might involve some flexibility, especially outside of peak camp seasons. However, core hours for collaboration and training would be expected. The specific schedule would need clarification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is expected to be hands-on, creative, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on safety and functionality for both the maker and the children who will use the creations. The New York City location offers access to a rich educational ecosystem and a diverse community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio by the hiring team. The portfolio is critical and will be the primary basis for advancing to the next stage.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, educational rationale, and fabrication techniques. This stage will assess technical skills, creativity, and communication abilities.

• Instructional Design/Training Simulation: A potential exercise or discussion focused on how the candidate would train teachers or present a project to educators. This assesses pedagogical skills and ability to translate complex ideas.

• Cultural Fit & Values Alignment: Interviews to assess alignment with NORY's "Ways of Being" values (purposeful, problem-solving, data-driven, accountable, feedback-seeking, analytical, unifying).

• Final Interview: With senior leadership to discuss role fit, growth potential, and final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase the required skills (electronics, woodworking, 3D printing, coding).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The Problem/Goal: What was the educational challenge or objective?
  • Your Solution: How did you design and build it? What materials and techniques were used?
  • The Educational Impact: What did children learn? How did it foster creativity or problem-solving?
  • Your Role: What specific contributions did you make?

• Showcase Process: Include sketches, CAD files, prototypes, and documentation that illustrate your design iteration and problem-solving journey.

• Highlight Versatility: Demonstrate a range of skills and adaptability across different materials and technologies.

• Video Evidence: If possible, include short videos of projects in action or demonstrating functionality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Educational Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt a project for different age groups or learning styles within the 3-12 range.

• Teacher Training Approach: Think about how you would explain a complex technical concept (e.g., how a motor works, basic coding logic) to an educator with varying technical backgrounds.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Consider hypothetical challenges related to fabrication issues, material shortages, or teacher implementation difficulties and how you would address them using NORY's values (e.g., "how to make it work").

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily favors candidates who can visually and narratively demonstrate their fabrication capabilities and their understanding of educational application. The portfolio is not just a resume supplement; it's the core of the application. Preparation should focus on articulating the "why" and "how" behind the "what" of your creations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Fabrication Equipment: 3D printers (e.g., FDM, SLA), laser cutters, CNC machines, woodworking tools (saws, drills, sanders), electronics workbenches (soldering irons, multimeters, oscilloscopes).

• Software for Design & Fabrication: CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Tinkercad), CAM software, 3D slicing software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer), vector graphics software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape) for laser cutting.

• Microcontrollers & Platforms: Arduino IDE, Raspberry Pi OS, Microbit programming environments.

• Coding Platforms: Scratch (visual programming for younger children), Python (for Raspberry Pi), C++ (for Arduino).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to track project usage, gather feedback, and potentially use basic data to inform design improvements would be beneficial. Tools might include:
  • Survey platforms (e.g., Google Forms, SurveyMonkey) for teacher/camper feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• NORY likely uses a CRM for camper/family management and potentially project management tools for curriculum development. Familiarity with these types of systems is helpful for understanding how educational content is managed and deployed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a wide array of physical fabrication tools and associated design software is critical. The role also requires comfort with microcontrollers and visual/scripting programming languages commonly used in STEM education. The ability to manage and maintain this equipment is also implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: NORY explicitly outlines its "Ways of Being," which are central to its culture:

• Purposeful: Driven by a clear "why" to foster intrinsic motivation in campers and staff.

• Problem-Solving Oriented: Proactive in finding solutions ("how to make it work") rather than dwelling on obstacles.

• Data & Logic Driven: Decisions are grounded in evidence and rational analysis.

• Accountable & Disciplined: Owning responsibilities and executing tasks with rigor.

• Feedback-Seeking: Open to constructive criticism and diverse perspectives for continuous improvement.

• Analytical & Thorough: Deeply analyzing problems to develop sustainable solutions, avoiding superficial fixes.

• Unifying & Empathetic: Fostering a loving, caring, and compassionate team environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to collaborate closely with educators, other curriculum designers, and potentially marketing/operations teams to ensure seamless program delivery and effective communication of NORY's vision.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: NORY's values emphasize seeking and giving feedback. This suggests a culture where constructive dialogue about projects, designs, and teaching methods is encouraged.

• Knowledge Sharing: The role will involve sharing expertise with teachers, empowering them to use the fabricated tools and projects effectively, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Alignment with NORY's "Ways of Being" is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work and interactions embody these values, particularly in areas like problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a collaborative, empathetic environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Immersive Experiences: Translating highly creative, "magical" experiences from a prototype to consistent delivery across multiple campuses for thousands of children requires robust design and training.

• Age-Appropriate Design: Balancing advanced fabrication capabilities with the developmental needs and safety considerations of very young children (ages 3-12).

• Teacher Enablement: Effectively training and inspiring a diverse group of educators to confidently and competently deliver complex maker-based projects.

• Resource Management: Managing a diverse and potentially expensive set of fabrication tools and materials, ensuring they are maintained and available for use.

• Rapid Innovation Cycles: Keeping pace with new technologies and educational trends while developing and iterating on NORY's curriculum.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Educational Fabrication: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge maker technologies and their application in early childhood education.

• Pedagogical Skill Development: Enhance skills in instructional design, adult learning principles, and effective teacher coaching.

• Curriculum Strategy: Gain insights into the strategic development of educational programs for a growing organization.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Work closely with other departments, gaining exposure to business operations, marketing, and growth strategies within the education sector.

• Impact Measurement: Learn to quantify the impact of educational programs on child development and educator effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are centered around the practical application of innovative design in a real-world educational setting, particularly concerning scalability, teacher training, and age appropriateness. Growth opportunities are tied to becoming a leader in the specialized field of interactive STEM education design and delivery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex maker project you designed and fabricated. Walk us through your design process, the materials you used, any challenges you faced, and how you ensured its educational value for a specific age group."

• "How would you approach training a group of teachers who have limited experience with robotics or coding, to effectively lead a hands-on STEM activity for 6-year-olds?"

• "NORY values 'how to make it work.' Describe a time you faced a significant obstacle in a fabrication or curriculum development project and how you creatively solved it."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Which of NORY's 'Ways of Being' resonates most with you, and how have you demonstrated this value in your professional life?"

• "How do you approach receiving and giving feedback, especially when it relates to your creative work?"

• "What excites you most about NORY's mission to make learning magical and impactful for children?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem/goal, your solution (design & fabrication), the learning outcomes, and your personal contribution.

• Highlight Process: Show sketches, CAD models, iterative prototypes, and explain the decision-making behind those stages.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss specific tools, materials, and techniques used, and why you chose them.

• Focus on Educational Impact: Emphasize what children learn and how your creations foster curiosity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about scalability, cost-effectiveness, safety, and adaptability for different age groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical prowess and a deep understanding of educational pedagogy, especially for young children. Candidates must be ready to articulate how their creative work translates into measurable learning outcomes and how they embody NORY's specific values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Maker Education Fabricator position:

• Submit your resume and a compelling portfolio that showcases your fabrication skills and educational design thinking to peter(at)nory.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience with electronics, woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, and coding platforms like Arduino and Scratch. Ensure each project includes a clear explanation of its purpose, target audience, and educational potential.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and hands-on making for children. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Developed 5 new project modules," "Trained 20 educators").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and educational philosophy. Prepare to discuss NORY's values and how you embody them, using specific examples.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review NORY's website, social media, and mission. Understand their "Ways of Being" and their unique approach to STEM education. Prepare questions that reflect your engagement with their work.

⚠️ 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.