Spark!Lab Inventor (IS-1001-09)

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescriptionOPEN DATE: February 13, 2026CLOSING DATE: February 27, 2026POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: IndefiniteSCHEDULE: Full TimeDUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive/Low Risk

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEWThis position is located in the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, Division of Public History, National Museum of American History (NMAH), Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Lemelson Center’s mission is to promote public understanding of the history and role of invention and innovation in society.

This position furthers the Center’s mission in the area of public education and outreach to diverse local and national audiences. The Spark!Lab Inventor is responsible for the development of new, hands-on and digital educational activities and programs for Spark!Lab, the Spark!Lab Network, and the Lemelson Hall of Invention (LHOI) exhibit space. The Spark!Lab Inventor also assists in the daily management and maintenance of these public spaces.

The Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab, located at NMAH, is a hands-on invention learning space which provides museum visitors, particularly children and their families, the opportunity to engage in the invention process through history, engineering, science, and creative activities. The Spark!Lab Network is an extension of the NMAH-based Spark!Lab with sites in local history museums, science centers, and other institutions.

This position requires occasional national and international travel in accordance with Smithsonian Institution policy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates, produces, and maintains inventive, hands-on and digital activities and programs for Spark!Lab, the Spark!Lab Network, and Lemelson Hall of Invention (LHOI).
• Assesses activity designs, function, and visitor response to inform alterations for Spark!Lab at National Museum of American History and Spark!Lab Network sites.
• Conceives, plans, prototypes, refines, evaluates, and puts into practice informal, hands-on learning activities and programs using 2D and 3D design and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software.
• Operates and maintains advanced manufacturing tools and equipment such as CNC router machines and 3D printers.
• Uses digital design platforms and software, such as Tinkercad, Instructables, or Roblox Studio, to create digital versions of invention activities and programs for online outreach to youth and families.
• Leads, with Head of Invention Education and Spark!Lab Network Manager, hands-on invention education workshops for families, youth, teachers, and museum education professionals.
• Performs routine maintenance on hands-on educational and exhibit components for Spark!Lab, Spark!Lab Network, and Lemelson Hall of Invention (LHOI), including inspections, repairs, record-keeping, and ordering.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSExperience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess 1-3 years of related experience (described below).
Experience required for this position is as follows:

• Knowledge of learning theory, education practice, and audience behavior to guide and inform the creation of interactive activities for children and families.
• Familiarity with 2D and 3D design and Computer Aided Manufacturing software to create hands-on or digital educational activities and programs.
• Familiarity with fabrication methods and tools such as 2D and 3D printers, CNC machines, and other tools and equipment to produce hands-on educational activities.
• Skill in working towards products that require research and development, where methods and techniques may be unknown, and developing new skill sets when not already established.
• Ability to solve problems, work independently, and coordinate multiple projects and activities simultaneously.
• Knowledge of basic project management concepts and processes to organize, sequence, and prioritize project tasks independently.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with a broad range of people.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact NMAHApplications@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo