Apprentice Museum Exhibit Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

At the Saint Louis Science Center, our mission is "To inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science." We create informal, interactive learning experiences that make science fun and accessible. Our staff, volunteers, and partners work together to make the Science Center one of the nation's leading institutions for science engagement.

The Exhibits Department, part of the Science and Education Division, develops, maintains, and supports all physical and interactive exhibition experiences for our visitors.

The Exhibit Electronics A/V Manager is a key member of the Science Center's Exhibits team, responsible for the design, implementation, programming, and maintenance of interactive hands-on exhibits and lighting systems within permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibits. Working collaboratively with exhibit designers, engineers, fabricators, educators, and operations staff, this position ensures that lighting supports the visitor experience, accessibility, safety, and artifact conservation while integrating seamlessly with exhibit interactives and control systems.

This role blends creative Audio-Visual design with hands-on technical support in developing exhibit interactives for a public-facing science center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design creative, functional, and maintainable A/V solutions for interactive science exhibits, immersive environments, galleries, and public spaces, including developing A/V concepts that reinforce exhibit narratives, educational objectives, and spatial design intent.
• Produce A/V documentation, including fixture schedules, wiring diagrams, control narratives, and aiming/focusing plans.
• Integrate lighting systems with exhibit electronics, including sensors, microcontrollers, show-control systems, and AV components.
• Program and configure lighting control systems (networked or programmable controllers).
• Collaborate with Exhibit Electronics and Exhibit Engineering staff on system architecture, power distribution, and control strategies.
• Manages all technical audiovisual equipment and operations at Energy Stage, the planetarium's in-house audiovisual, media, and traveling exhibit systems that interface with the house system.
• Work closely with exhibit designers, graphic designers, educators, curators, exhibit electronics manager, facilities, and operations teams during the development cycle of new exhibit interactives.
• Participate in exhibit design reviews, prototyping sessions, shop builds, and installation schedules.
• Support special events, temporary exhibits, and traveling exhibitions as needed.

Maintenance & Operations

• Inspect, service, and repair museum exhibits and exhibit-related equipment daily to ensure high levels of reliability and visitor satisfaction.
• Troubleshoot, test, and modify electronic circuits, wiring, and components.
• Assist with the prototyping, construction, and testing of new exhibit technologies.
• Support installation and de-installation of traveling/ special exhibitions, including electrical and technical systems setup.
• Mentors Exhibit Electronics technician staff during exhibit maintenance, repairs, and operations.
• Assist in planning exhibit lifecycles with an emphasis on energy efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience designing and implementing A/V systems in museums, science centers, themed environments, exhibitions, or similar settings.
• Technical degree or equivalent professional experience in lighting design, theatrical production, electrical engineering, exhibit design, or a related field.
• Experience with lighting control protocols and/or networked lighting systems.
• Ability to read and produce technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and specifications.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort working hands-on with tools and electronic components.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a nonprofit museum or science center environment.
• Familiarity with microcontrollers, show control, or interactive exhibit systems. Knowledge of museum conservation lighting standards.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary exhibit development teams.
• Proficiency with lighting design and drafting software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift 50-70 pounds, and work in varied conditions (heights, confined spaces, indoors/outdoors).
• Ability to climb ladders, work from lifts, and operate in elevated spaces.
• Physical activity includes standing, bending, lifting, carrying, and tool use for extended periods.
• Exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and public visitor traffic.
• Position requires adaptability to changing tasks and priorities in a dynamic museum environment.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and early mornings to support installations and special events.