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

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Maker Education Fabricator: Prototyping and Experience Design

Company: NORY

Location: New York, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Education / STEM / Maker Education

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Assumed based on role responsibilities and portfolio requirements)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and fabricate engaging, hands-on STEM projects for children aged 3-12, focusing on robotics, engineering, and woodworking.

• Develop interdisciplinary learning experiences that seamlessly integrate multiple educational domains.

• Craft immersive thematic worlds and compelling narratives to enhance educational impact and camper engagement.

• Train and empower NORY teachers across all campuses to effectively implement designed projects and utilize fabrication tools.

• Apply deep insights into child development to tailor physical projects to specific age groups and interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the maker education and curriculum development space, requiring a blend of technical fabrication skills, pedagogical understanding, and creative experience design. The "contractor" employment type suggests a project-based or seasonal engagement, typical for curriculum development or specialized workshop facilitation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and build innovative, age-appropriate STEM camp projects, including but not limited to robotics, basic engineering principles, and woodworking crafts.

• Develop and document comprehensive project plans, material lists, and fabrication guides for teacher training and implementation.

• Create engaging narratives and thematic elements for learning modules to foster immersive educational experiences.

• Lead training sessions and provide ongoing support for NORY educators on project execution, tool safety, and pedagogical approaches.

• Conduct user testing and gather feedback on fabricated projects and learning experiences from both children and teachers to drive iterative improvements.

• Ensure all fabricated projects adhere to safety standards and are suitable for the developmental stages of children aged 3-12.

• Collaborate with the NORY curriculum development team to align project designs with overarching educational goals and program objectives.

• Maintain and organize a fabrication lab, including inventory management of tools, materials, and equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Storytelling & Experience Creation" and "Teacher Empathy & Training" indicates that this role requires not only technical proficiency but also strong communication, instructional design, and interpersonal skills. The focus on video communication for teacher empowerment is a key differentiator.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Engineering, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills will be highly considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in maker education, curriculum development, hands-on project design, or a related field. Experience working with children aged 3-12 is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing and fabricating hands-on STEM projects for children.

• Proficiency in electronics, including circuits, motors, and sensors.

• Strong skills in digital and physical fabrication techniques such as woodworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting.

• Familiarity with microcontrollers and platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or Micro:bits.

• Experience with coding tools for educational purposes, such as Scratch, Python, or similar.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate interdisciplinary learning domains into project design.

• Excellent storytelling and experience design capabilities to create engaging educational narratives.

• Strong understanding of child development principles for ages 3-12.

• Effective communication and training skills, particularly in conveying technical information to educators.

• Ability to develop and document project plans and training materials. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in creating immersive thematic worlds and educational narratives.

• Proficiency in video creation and editing for instructional content.

• Background in design thinking methodologies.

• Experience managing a maker space or fabrication lab.

• Familiarity with advanced robotic frameworks or mechatronics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical. It should showcase not just technical ability but also the pedagogical intent behind the creations, demonstrating how projects cater to specific age groups and learning objectives. The emphasis on "risk-taking entrepreneur" and "problem-solver" within the company's mission suggests a preference for candidates who can foster these traits through their designs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of fabricated projects, clearly categorized by skill area (e.g., Electronics, Digital/Physical Fabrication, Microcontrollers, Coding).

• For each project, include high-quality images or videos, a detailed description of its purpose, the underlying educational theory or learning objectives, design choices, and the intended audience (age group).

• Evidence of projects tailored for children aged 3-12, demonstrating an understanding of age-appropriate complexity and engagement.

• Examples of projects that integrate multiple disciplines (e.g., electronics with woodworking, coding with robotics).

• Documentation of any experience design or storytelling elements incorporated into projects. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document fabrication processes, including material sourcing, step-by-step assembly instructions, and safety protocols.

• Clear explanation of how projects facilitate specific learning outcomes or skill development, particularly in areas of problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

• Examples of how projects can be adapted or scaled for different group sizes or educational settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary assessment tool for this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating not just their technical skills but also their ability to translate these skills into effective, engaging, and educationally sound learning experiences for young children. The "brief notes" requested for the portfolio are crucial for understanding the candidate's pedagogical thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20.00 – $35.00 per hour. This range is competitive for specialized contract roles in maker education and curriculum design in New York City, reflecting the need for both technical expertise and pedagogical insight.

Benefits:

• Not applicable (Part-Time/Seasonal Contract Role).

Working Hours: This is a part-time role. The specific number of hours per week will be determined based on project needs and candidate availability, but is expected to be less than 40 hours per week. The role is primarily on-site in New York City.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contractor role, benefits are typically not provided. The hourly rate is structured to compensate for specialized skills and the creative output required. The range suggests that candidates with extensive experience, a highly impressive portfolio, and strong pedagogical understanding may command the higher end of the spectrum.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology / STEM Education / Experiential Learning. NORY operates within the dynamic ed-tech and enrichment sector, aiming to provide unique, impactful learning experiences.

Company Size: NORY is described as the largest STEM camp provider in NYC, serving over 4,000 campers annually, indicating a significant operational scale and a growing organization.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's active presence and scale suggest it is an established entity within its market.

Team Structure:

• The Maker Education Fabricator will likely be part of a curriculum development or program design team, working closely with other educators, designers, and potentially program managers.

• Collaboration will be essential with NORY teachers across multiple campuses, requiring strong cross-functional communication.

• The role reports to a hiring manager named Peter, who oversees the application process. Methodology:

• NORY's "Ways of Being" emphasize a purpose-driven, solution-oriented, data-informed, accountable, growth-minded, root-cause solving, and unifying approach. This suggests a culture that values initiative, collaboration, continuous improvement, and a focus on impactful outcomes.

• The company aims to create "magical, impactful, and memorable" learning experiences, akin to a "Disney World of STEM education."

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

📝 Enhancement Note: NORY's mission to cultivate "risk-taking entrepreneurs, inquisitive problem-solvers, and empathetic leaders" through STEM education is central to its culture. Candidates should align with these values and demonstrate how their work contributes to fostering these traits in children. The "Ways of Being" are critical cultural indicators.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a specialized individual contributor position focused on curriculum and project design within the maker education field. It is not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations, but rather operationalizing educational content.

Reporting Structure: The Maker Education Fabricator will report to a designated hiring manager (Peter) and will collaborate closely with NORY teachers and potentially other members of the curriculum development team.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly on the educational product delivered to thousands of campers. By creating innovative, engaging, and effective STEM projects, the Fabricator directly contributes to NORY's mission and its reputation as a leading STEM camp provider. The quality of their designs influences the learning outcomes and overall experience for children and the effectiveness of NORY's educators.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific fabrication techniques, mechatronics, or educational design through project work and potential professional development opportunities.

• Curriculum Leadership: As NORY grows, there may be opportunities to lead curriculum development initiatives or manage specific project areas.

• Impactful Contribution: Gain significant experience in designing and implementing educational programs at scale, contributing to the growth of a reputable STEM education organization.

• Networking: Build connections within the maker education and ed-tech communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" role, the "fabricator" aspect implies the operationalization of educational concepts into tangible learning materials. Growth would likely be within the specialized field of STEM education design and curriculum development, rather than broader business operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" and involves working within a "maker education fabricator" context, suggesting access to workshop spaces, tools, and machinery. It's implied that this is not a typical office environment but a creative and hands-on workspace.

Office Location(s): New York City, United States. Specific campus locations or workshop addresses would be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Access to a fabrication lab equipped with tools for electronics, woodworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting.

• A creative and collaborative environment where ideas for innovative STEM learning experiences are encouraged.

• Opportunities to interact with children and educators, providing direct feedback on project designs.

• The environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, especially during peak camp seasons.

Work Schedule: Part-time, on-site in New York City. Specific hours will be negotiated but are expected to be less than full-time. Flexibility may be possible depending on project deadlines and NORY's operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "maker" aspect suggests a hands-on, potentially messy, and highly collaborative workspace. Candidates should be comfortable working in such an environment and be adept at managing tools and materials safely and efficiently.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume, portfolio, and a cover note to peter@nory.co.

• Portfolio Review: The hiring manager will critically assess the submitted portfolio for technical skills, design creativity, pedagogical understanding, and suitability for the target age group.

• Interview(s): Candidates may undergo interviews to discuss their experience, design philosophy, approach to child development, and how they align with NORY's "Ways of Being." This may include practical discussions about potential project ideas or problem-solving scenarios.

• Teacher Training Simulation (Potential): A component might involve a brief demonstration or discussion on how they would train a teacher on a specific project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Breadth and Depth: Ensure your portfolio covers all required areas: electronics, digital/physical fabrication, microcontrollers, and coding.

• Highlight Educational Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the learning objectives, design rationale, and how it caters to children aged 3-12.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality images and videos. A well-produced video demonstrating a project in action can be very impactful.

• Explain the "Why": Your notes explaining design choices and educational potential are crucial. This is where you demonstrate your pedagogical thinking.

• Tailor to NORY: If possible, subtly align some project examples with NORY's mission of fostering entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and empathy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a project for a specific theme or age group.

• Prepare to explain your process for ensuring safety in a maker space for young children.

• Think about how you would adapt a complex technical concept into a simple, engaging activity for a 5-year-old.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of NORY's "Ways of Being" and how you embody them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should invest significant time in curating and presenting their work effectively, emphasizing the educational and experiential design aspects alongside technical execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Fabrication Equipment: Woodworking tools (saws, drills, sanders), 3D printers (e.g., FDM printers), laser cutters, soldering irons, general hand tools.

• Electronics Components: Breadboards, wires, resistors, capacitors, motors, sensors, LEDs, microcontrollers.

• Software for Design & Fabrication: CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360, Tinkercad), slicing software for 3D printing, laser cutting software.

• Programming Environments: Arduino IDE, Python IDEs, Scratch interfaces.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a data analytics role, the ability to gather and interpret feedback on project effectiveness from teachers and children is key. This might involve simple surveys or observational notes. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but an understanding of how NORY manages its camper and teacher data might be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a wide range of maker tools and relevant software is paramount. The ability to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies as NORY expands its offerings will also be valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: NORY's "Ways of Being" are the guiding cultural principles:

• Purpose-Driven: Focus on the "why" behind educational activities, ensuring they are meaningful and motivating.

• Solution-Oriented: Proactively seek ways to make ideas work, embracing challenges as opportunities.

• Data-Informed: Use observations, feedback, and logical reasoning to guide design and implementation.

• Accountable: Take ownership of project outcomes, from design to teacher training.

• Growth-Minded: Embrace feedback, continuous learning, and diverse perspectives.

• Root-Cause Solvers: Address underlying issues rather than superficial fixes in project design and implementation.

• Unifiers: Foster a collaborative, empathetic, and compassionate team environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working with curriculum developers, other fabricators, and importantly, NORY teachers.

• Emphasis on clear communication, especially through video, to ensure consistent delivery of educational vision.

• A culture that encourages sharing ideas, feedback, and learning from each other.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates must demonstrate a strong cultural fit with NORY's "Ways of Being." This is as important as technical skill, as the role requires influencing and supporting educators within this specific cultural framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complexity and Age-Appropriateness: Creating projects that are technically interesting for the fabricator but simple and safe enough for young children.

• Scalability: Designing projects that can be consistently replicated and implemented by numerous teachers across different locations.

• Teacher Training Efficacy: Ensuring teachers are adequately trained and confident to deliver the intended learning experience, especially with potentially new tools or concepts.

• Rapid Iteration: Quickly developing and refining projects based on feedback and evolving educational needs.

• Resource Management: Effectively managing materials and tools within a budget and maintaining an organized fabrication space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques: Opportunities to experiment with and master new maker technologies and materials.

• Curriculum Design Expertise: Develop deeper skills in instructional design, pedagogy, and experience design for children.

• Leadership in Education: Potential to grow into roles with greater responsibility for curriculum development or program management within NORY.

• Exposure to a Growing Ed-Tech Company: Gain experience working in a dynamic, mission-driven organization at the forefront of STEM education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles bridging technical creation with educational delivery. Candidates who can articulate their strategies for overcoming these challenges will stand out.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a STEM project for young children. What were the key considerations, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on age-appropriateness, learning objectives, and user feedback.)

• "How would you approach training a teacher who has no prior experience with 3D printing or robotics?" (Highlight communication style, safety emphasis, and step-by-step guidance.)

• "Imagine we want to create a project around 'exploring outer space' for 6-year-olds. What kind of physical project would you propose, and what learning outcomes would it address?" (Demonstrate creativity, pedagogical thinking, and understanding of the target age.)

• "How do you ensure safety when children are using tools like drills or laser cutters?" (Focus on established protocols, supervision, and age-appropriate risk management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do NORY's 'Ways of Being' resonate with your personal work philosophy?" (Connect your values to theirs, providing specific examples.)

• "What do you think makes a STEM learning experience 'magical, impactful, and memorable' for a child?" (Show understanding of NORY's mission and brand.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your creative work?" (Demonstrate growth mindset and solution-orientation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a story about your skills and passion for maker education.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects.

• Explain the "Why" Clearly: For each project, articulate the educational goals, design decisions, and lessons learned.

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your design and fabrication process.

• Demonstrate Impact: If possible, share any evidence of how your projects have engaged children or supported learning.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your technical choices, pedagogical approach, and how you'd adapt your skills to NORY's context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical fabrication skills, creative vision, pedagogical understanding, and alignment with NORY's unique culture and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Maker Education Fabricator position:

• Submit Portfolio and Resume: Send your comprehensive maker project portfolio, resume, and a concise note explaining your fit for this specific fabrication role to peter@nory.co.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases expertise across electronics, digital/physical fabrication, microcontrollers, and coding, with clear explanations of educational intent and age-appropriateness for each project.

• Craft Your Cover Note: Briefly articulate why you are passionate about maker education, why this specific role at NORY excites you, and how your skills and values align with their "Ways of Being."

• Research NORY: Familiarize yourself with NORY's mission, programs, and "Ways of Being" on their website and social media channels to tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, your approach to child development, and your experience training educators, demonstrating your ability to operationalize creative educational concepts.

⚠️ 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.