Experience Specialist, STEM Design

At Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fuel your passion for science and the natural world by delivering awe-inspiring exhibits and educational programs.
Our immersive experiences captivate, challenge, and empower audiences of all ages, sparking a spirit of discovery and lifelong learning. We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope, solving complex problems and driving positive change across the globe.

We’re looking for driven, talented individuals who share our passion for making an impact and having fun while doing it.

Summary

The Experience Specialist, STEM Design brings innovation, creativity, and technical expertise to Discovery Place’s design and maker-based programs. This role facilitates programs, engages guests, and develops content and exhibit experiences that merge science, technology, engineering, art, and design 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 design-based 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 design-based STEM education, with advanced understanding of engineering, fabrication, tool usage, and maker practices. The Specialist applies design thinking and problem-solving methodologies to guide program creation and guest experiences.

They will advise on effective practices in teaching STEM-based design, engineering content, and emerging concepts in DIY, MAKE, and innovation learning, ensuring programs and exhibits reflect Discovery Place’s commitment to inquiry, creativity, and sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Facilitation

• 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.

Exhibit and Project Design

• Contribute to the design of exhibits and installations for Discovery Place Science and Charlotte Museum of Nature, including maker opportunities and Science Buzz stations.
• Prototype and test new exhibit and maker 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.

Collaboration and Mentorship

• Work closely with the Content and Experience, Early Learning, and Youth Development teams to plan and execute design initiatives and special projects including bridge experiences connecting family programs, camps, maker pathways, 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

Quality and Evaluation

• 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 STEM Design experiences
• 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.

Mission Sustainability

• Understands and communicates the link between Discovery Place’s mission and financial sustainability, ensuring that design-based 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

Competencies

• Mission & Sustainability Awareness – Understands the connection between educational mission and earned revenue; creates programs that inspire learning, drive engagement, and meet participation goals.
• Innovation – Displays creativity, resourcefulness, and design thinking; integrates cutting-edge technology and maker practices.
• Problem Solving – Identifies challenges and develops effective, safe, and creative solutions.
• Customer Service – Provides exceptional, inclusive, and welcoming guest experiences.
• Adaptability – Adjusts to shifting project needs and emerging technologies.
• Collaboration – Works cross-departmentally, including with Youth Development and Exhibits, to strengthen the design learning continuum.
• Quality & Safety – Maintains professional standards for design labs, fabrication tools, and public spaces.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Engineering, Design, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline; Master’s preferred.
• One to two years of experience in informal STEM or maker education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in 3D printing, woodworking, sewing, and circuitry.
• Experience with Vernier, LoggerPro, LEGO Spike, 3D printing software, and power tools preferred.
• Familiarity with design software and digital fabrication workflows.
• Strong written, verbal, and facilitation skills.
• North Carolina Teaching Certificate or equivalent preferred; safety certification desirable.
• Bilingual ability preferred but not required.

Schedule and Expectations

• The schedule alternates to include weekends and occasional evenings.
• The majority of time is devoted to direct delivery of guest experiences and the development of innovative, revenue-generating educational content.
• The Experience Specialist is expected to think boldly, experiment fearlessly, and advance the culture of science and innovation throughout Discovery Place’s network.

Work Environment

While performing duties, the employee regularly works in a dynamic museum environment that may include exposure to saws, drills, soldering equipment, and other maker tools. The employee may also work in outdoor or public event settings. The noise level is typically loud and high-energy.

Physical Demands

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The position requires regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and tool use. Clear communication, attention to safety, and responsive guest interaction are essential.

Discovery Place Core Values

Discovery Place employees uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization. We strive to provide exceptional service through four core values: uncommon courtesy, pursuit of personal excellence, teamwork, and inclusion. We value diversity of thought and create spaces where employees and guests alike feel a sense of belonging.

Employees of Discovery Place should uphold the mission, vision and values of the organization. We strive to provide exceptional service through four core values: uncommon courtesy, the pursuit of personal excellence, teamwork and inclusion. We value the diversity of opinions and intellectual thought and encourage an environment where employees can share ideas openly.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of this job. Other duties may be assigned. This job description may be changed to include new responsibilities and tasks or change existing ones as management deems necessary.