Interactive Fabricator/Technician at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana

Job Description:

OVERVIEW:

The Interactive Fabricator/Technician is a member of the Experience Production team and works closely with colleagues to produce, install, and maintain responsive and interactive exhibit elements and environments for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.  The fabricator/technician is responsible for the development, prototyping, installation, and maintenance of interactive features, environmental effects, and assistive technology in exhibition spaces and throughout the Museum’s facility and campus.  The incumbent prepares and maintains documentation for projects including drawing/diagrams, bill of materials, and service records. The fabricator/technician works in concert with colleagues to consistently meet high standards of quality, professionalism, and excellence.

The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. 

REPORTS TO: Manager of Exhibit Fabrication & Maintenance

 ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops, prototypes, builds, and maintains interactive/accessibility features and environments that follow the exhibit content and design criteria established for each project. Provides input during exhibit design phase including material/technology selection, production methods, overall functionality, and cost estimation.


2. Fabricates exhibit components and mechanical devices that may be manually powered or include motors, servos, and actuators. Uses specialized equipment, such as metal welding or soldering tools, hand tools. Woodshop equipment, CNC, laser cutting/engraving, and 3D printers to build components for a variety of interactives.


3. Produces/programs, tests, and maintains electrical/mechanical circuits/equipment and associated control systems for interactive/accessibility features. This may include (but not limited to): PLC, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, motors, actuators, digital/ranging/other sensors, lighting, and audio devices.


4. Produces/maintains digital files and documentation for production and ongoing maintenance related to interactive/accessibility features using 2D/3D design software.


5. Troubleshoots issues with electrical/mechanical interactives and coordinates or personally conducts fixes for on-site exhibits/experiences and museum traveling exhibits across the country.


6. Travels, as necessary, to install, deinstall, augment, adjust, support, and maintain museum exhibits at venues across the US.


7. Works and communicates with internal and external teams or individuals to accomplish team objectives with strict adherence to policies and code of conduct. Completes assigned work within prescribed deadlines and commensurate with the design and production standards.


8. Services and maintains equipment and workspaces.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related work experience.


2. Three (3) years of work experience in design and fabrication of electrical/mechanical devices, audio/video technology, and/or associated control systems. Demonstrated proficiency in programing electrical/mechanical control systems, reading and drawing schematic diagrams/electrical one-line diagrams, and an understanding of materials and techniques used for manufacturing.


3. Two (2) years of experience in fabrication processes, and/or electrical/mechanical development and installation. Experience in a 3D fabrication field (museum, theme park, theater, themed retail space, etc.) preferred. One (1) year of experience with Arduino's, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers, PLC's, and/or electronic circuitry repair/troubleshooting.


4. Demonstrated ability to share complex ideas through verbal and visual communication during team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and in day-to-day conversations.


5. Able to work with diverse individuals (internal and external advisors and project related staff & volunteers) in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Skilled at collaboration and able to work independently or as part of a group.


6. Ability to work on multiple projects at different developmental stages and prioritize effectively with a high attention to detail.


7. Will need to be able to provide representative examples of work (portfolio) during the interview process (not be retained by the Museum). Digital copies that may be included in hiring documentation are strongly encouraged.


8. Spanish fluency desired.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be able to perceive space and colors and to make aesthetic assessments of installations, to review drawings of designs and fabrication diagrams, to view documents and computer monitor.


2. Must be able to engage in extensive communication during brainstorming and planning situations and strong presentations of ideas. Team, virtual, and group dialogue is required for communication of plans and concepts.


3. Must have the agility and dexterity required to safely negotiate active work/production sites and shop areas, maneuver through small spaces and to climb on elevated platforms, and ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry and move 50lbs.


4. May be required to perform intricate operations with computer graphics equipment.


5. Must be able to negotiate local, and regional air and vehicular travel via conventional means. Must tolerate dust in the work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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