Exhibits Technology Specialist

The Exhibits Technology Specialist is responsible for assisting in the design, fabrication and implementation of electronics hardware and software to create compelling exhibit experiences. This position requires electronics hardware development and implementation/installation in coordination with the fabrication team. In collaboration with internal and external team members, including the Exhibits Production Manager and Traveling Exhibits Manager; this position plays a hands-on role in developing and producing electronic and digital interactives for museum projects.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Electronics Hardware:
  • Develops approaches and successful execution of electronics development, fabrication, testing and integration into exhibit and experiences.
• Software Development:
  • Supports the software development needs of exhibit projects under the direction of the Exhibits Production Manager and Traveling Exhibits Manager;
  • Works with content developers to assist with translating relevant exhibit materials into prototype programs for testing and implementation;
  • Assists in the software development of interface components with external input/output devices.
• Exhibit Construction:
  • Supports the installation and integration of exhibit components, with an emphasis on software and hardware compatibility;
  • Documents and tracks project-related activities, with an emphasis on adhering to timeline and budget constraints;
  • Continually and consistently meets the high level of quality expected by the Exhibits department and OMSI.
  • Collaborate with various team members to resolve technical and mechanical problems in exhibit design.
• Responsible for the repair and refurbishment of electronics based interactive exhibits and experiences;
• Conducts regular cleaning and maintenance of shop space and equipment.

Working Conditions

• This position is non-exempt, paid hourly;
• This position is a regular, part-time scheduled for a minimum 20 hours/week with the potential for increased hours based on projects;
• This position requires working onsite at the museum location;
• Physical Demands: 50% sitting, 35% standing, 15% lifting/carrying/pushing up to 75 lbs;
• Vision Demands include:
  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches of less)
  • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
  • Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
  • Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left or right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
  • Depth and perception (three dimensional vision, ability to judge distance and spatial relationships)
  • Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eyes to bring an object into sharp focus)
• Environmental Demands include:
  • Work near moving mechanical parts
  • Fumes or airborne particles
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals
  • Risk of electric shock
• Noise Levels include:
  • Moderate (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic)
  • Loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment)
  • Very loud (examples: jack hammer work, front row at rock concert)

Secondary Job Responsibilities

Provide additional support to the Exhibits and Traveling Exhibits teams. Secondary responsibilities include-but are not limited to-the following:

• Connect with outside sources to acquire technical and material information;
• Assume other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Exhibits Production Manager and/or Traveling Exhibits Manager.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

REQUIREMENTS:

• Business Practices:
  • Ability to effectively manage and work on multiple projects or tasks in different phases of development, often with overlapping and time-sensitive deadlines;
  • Ability to model and support a positive team dynamic with people from diverse talents and backgrounds, with an emphasis on team-based collaboration and product evaluation;
  • Demonstrated ability to pivot between individual and team work;
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy;
  • Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards;
  • Ability to adhere to confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements;
  • Moderate proficiency with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office;
• Electronics Hardware Skills:
  • Ability to read and understand electronic schematics;
  • Ability to use Arduino IDE and/or other applicable libraries to program microprocessors;
  • Ability to use PlatformIO and/or other compiling programs for microprocessors;
  • Ability to view a schematic to aid in troubleshooting;
  • Familiarity with ECAD software like Eagle or Kicad;
  • Knowledge and ability to conduct through hole and surface mount soldering;
  • Knowledge and ability to troubleshoot low voltage circuits with a multimeter;
  • Knowledge of i2c, SPI, and RS485 communication protocols;
  • Knowledge and ability to work with buttons, shift registers, ws2812 and/or APA102 LEDs, accelerometers, environmental sensors, motion detectors, proximity sensors, and infrared sensors.
• Software Skills:
  • Experience setting up operating systems for Linux, Mac, and Windows;
  • Experience interfacing hardware with software over serial communication.
• Exhibit Design and Production:
  • Ability to work safely and an understanding of shop safety protocols;
  • Ability to produce quality products in a production environment;
  • Ability to work on multiple projects in different phases of development.

PREFERENCES:

• Business Practices:
  • Proficient or native fluency in a second language (non-English).
  • Developed knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
• Electronics Hardware and Software Skills:
  • Knowledge and ability to use Unity and/or C#-centered software applications;
  • Knowledge and ability to use raspberry PI video and audio applications;
  • Knowledge and ability to use BrightSign players and/or other digital media players;
  • Working knowledge of drafting and mechanical engineering concepts and methods;
  • Familiarity with software such as Fusion 360, Inventor, and/or SketchUp.
• Familiarity with OSHA compliance and safety protocols;
• Ability to estimate material and labor costs for project proposals.

Education & Work Experience

• 2 years experience working with electronics hardware and/or in an electronics production environment;
• 1 year experience programming low level hardware devices;
• Examples of strong communication and presentation skills in project-based assignments;
• Experience or ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and talents;
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced collaborative environment with stringent and overlapping deadlines.

PREFERENCES:

• Examples of exhibit development experience and/or contributions;
• Experience working in a professional work environment, with an emphasis on collaborative projects and deliverables.
• Experience working with volunteers.

Additional Requirements/Preferences; Including Licenses and Certifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks and reference checks.

PREFERENCES:

• None.

Benefits and Perks at OMSI

• 403(b) retirement with employer match eligibility
• 2 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 weeks of sick time per year
• 12 personal / cultural days (PTO) per year
• Free annual OMSI Family Membership
• Reciprocal Employee Attractions Pass (REAP)
• Inclusion-centered professional development opportunities
• Employee-led rewards and recognition program
• Discounts on summer programs for employee's children