Careers at Tynker

Are you a creative thinker with a can-do attitude? Do you want to play a key role in developing a new computing platform - one designed to teach children computational thinking and programming skills in a fun, intuitive, and imaginative way? Are you interested in joining a team of all-stars with a history of starting and building successful companies?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, consider joining us at Tynker. We’re looking for fellow innovators who are passionate about preparing kids for the next millennium. Get in on the ground floor of an innovative new company that is changing the way kids learn about and leverage technology.

Tynker is well-funded by leading educators and top-tier Silicon Valley VCs.

Open Positions

Los Altos, CA

Product Development

Marketing

Positions are located in Los Altos, CA near the San Antonio Caltrain station.

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Resumes from recruiters will NOT be accepted.


Chicago, IL

Positions are located in Chicago.

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Resumes from recruiters will NOT be accepted.


Porto, Portugal

Positions are located in Candal Park.

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Resumes from recruiters will NOT be accepted.


Sr. Software Engineer - Mobile

We are looking for a lead mobile developer to drive the development of our iPhone and iPad apps. You will be building rich visual experiences to engage K-12 students in a creative playground where they Tynker, play and learn. If you like pushing the boundaries of touch-based creation environments, this is the job for you.

Requirements:
  • BS/MS in computer science with 3+ years of software development experience
  • 2+ years of iOS software development experience
  • Must have a strong grasp of CS fundamentals, especially in data structures, algorithm design, and programming languages
  • Must have deep experience building successful consumer mobile apps
  • Working knowledge of back-end technologies required for mobile apps
  • Able to work under pressure in a timely manner without sacrificing quality
  • Demonstrated ability to write clean code with good embedded documentation
  • Ability to work well in a team and to take on leadership roles as required
  • Knowledge of Web standards including XHTML, Javascript, CSS, SVG, WebGL is a big plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Game Developer

Tynker is looking for a talented software engineer to join our game development team. In this position, you will collaborate with game designers, designers, developers and artists and drive the implementation of a variety of games designed specifically to teach kids to code. In this role, you will build games inspired by physics puzzlers like Angry Birds, arcade classics such as Pacman, and popular contemporary games like Candy Crush, Minecraft or Fortnite. Your games will inspire millions of kids to learn coding and get creative!

Tynker is the #1 Kids Coding platform and helps millions of students learn coding. Our self-paced courses and creativity tools guide them from block coding to JavaScript, Swift and and Python. Tynker's mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in STEM, programming and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world.

Primary Tasks
  • Design and develop game kits that comprise of well-designed, documented, fully working games for kids to use, re-create and customize
  • Build games and apps using various programming languages - Tynker, JavaScript, Python and Swift
  • Collaborate with other developers and instructional designers to plan game-based courses and curriculum.
  • Contribute toward Tynker's curriculum which introduces technologies such as game design, robotics, Minecraft modding, visual development, programming languages, web and mobile app development, augmented reality and artificial intelligence
Requirements:
  • BS/MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field
  • 3+ years of professional experience designing apps or games
  • 2-5 years experience at a game development company
  • Proficient in 2D and 3D math and a solid understanding of CS fields including data structures, algorithms, UX, networks and operating systems
  • Must be comfortable switching development environments, standards and code bases quickly and effectively
  • Experience as a developer on a project that used Android and iOS technologies using Objective C, Java or Swift
  • Must be proficient in one of more of the following languages: JavaScript, Swift, Python, C++, Objective C, C#
  • Excellent problem solving and communication skills, so that you are able to articulate technical concepts for a young student audience.
  • Must be proficient with common game patterns, various game engines, and articulate implementation strategies for designing different kinds of games such as platformers, mobile, puzzle, arcade, strategy and role-playing games.
  • Passion for games and game development
  • Ability to learn and act in a fast-paced environment
  • A high level of energy and motivation
  • Experience with OpenGL, ARKit and other 3D technologies
  • Experience with drones, LEGO, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Bluetooth, and other hardware kits is a plus
  • Experience designing APIs, SDKS and mobile toolkits is a plus

If interested, please send your resume and portfolio to jobs.

Video Instructor

Tynker is looking for an experienced video content developer with lots of creative ideas! In this role, you will design, develop and maintain original video content for Tynker's student audience who are learning to code. You will explain how to build games, apps, Minecraft mods and other creative projects using Tynker's visual programming language. You will join a dynamic team of content developers, designer and game developers and come up with new and stimulating ways to engage young coders to get creative with code.

Tynker is the #1 Kids Coding platform and helps millions of students learn coding. Our self-paced courses and creativity tools guide them from block coding to JavaScript, Swift and and Python. Tynker's mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in STEM, programming and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world.

Primary Tasks
  • Record 3-5 minute videos using screen-capture tools while providing clear and concise voice instructions
  • Create graphical multi-media content to explain concepts
  • Publish new videos each week to engage our student audience
  • Collaborate with game designers, curriculum developers and developers to maintain a steady stream of new and relevant content
  • Learn Tynker's curriculum which introduces technologies such as game design, robotics, Minecraft modding, visual development, programming languages, web and mobile app development, augmented reality and artificial intelligence
Requirements
  • BS/MS degree in Computer Science, Technical Writing or English
  • Coding experience in one of more of the following languages: JavaScript, Swift, Python, Tynker, Scratch
  • 3 years of experience as an teacher or training instructor, with technical training or K-12 curriculum development
  • Ability to quickly grasp technical and business concepts and explain them clearly and concisely
  • Experience with video capture tools such as Camtasia, Adobe Captivate, Premiere or other e-learning development tools
  • Ability to create simple visuals and animations to elevate the learning experience for kids
  • Experience with managing a library of videos on streaming services such as Youtube or Vimeo
  • Experience creating interactive e-learning courses and content.
  • Work effectively in a fast-paced environment and revise content in a structured manner

If interested, please send your resume and portfolio to jobs.

Game Designer

Tynker is looking for a highly creative and versatile game designer who can storyboard games, design game levels, and define goal progression. In this role, you will own the overall process from conceiving innovative game play to analyzing real-time feedback and adjust designs accordingly. You will work in conjunction with artists, developers and designers to implement and launch new games and levels. Your primary goal is to keep kids motivated and engaged in the creative learning environment.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Storyboard games, design game levels, and define goal progression
  • Own the overall process from conceiving innovative game play to implementation
  • Work with an amazing team of artists, game developers and designers to plan, implement and launch new games
  • Clearly articulate game designs, gameplay, and visuals using Photoshop, Illustrator, and other tools
  • Define gameplay for web, tablet and phone-based games
  • Understand our K-12 audience and build something special for them
  • Keep users motivated and engaged in the creative learning environment
  • Plan balancing, monetization of virtual economies and driving player behavior
  • Create reward structures and incentives within the game environment
  • Analyze Excel models for incentives and levels
Requirements:
  • At least 3-5 years experience as a game designer, preferably with casual, social or mobile games
  • Ability to fully document features including game systems, game mechanics, economy, UI, characters and story
  • Strong knowledge of analytics and how to use data in game design
  • Expert at creating reward structures and incentives in game environment
  • Ability to present concepts and receive feedback
  • Willing to take creative risks
  • Must be passionate about gaming and be up to date on game design literature and best practices
  • Art direction and animation design experience is a big plus
  • Previous technical experience and broad knowledge of game system capabilities are a plus
  • Ability to multi-task and work well under pressure

If interested, please send your resume and portfolio to jobs.

User Experience Designer

Tynker is looking for a strategic thinker who will turn ideas into amazing product workflows that engage our primary customers – kids! You will be responsible for delivering all aspects of design, from defining customer needs to delivering prototypes and UI specifications.

Tynker is the #1 Kids Coding platform and helps millions of students learn coding. Our self-paced courses and creativity tools guide them from block coding to JavaScript, Swift and and Python. Tynker's mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in STEM, programming and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world.

Primary Tasks:
  • Design user interaction models, user flows and user interfaces
  • Define experiences across mediums – web, touch tablets, and phone
  • Collaborate with the executive team on strategy, roadmap and direction
  • Incorporate feedback from customers, developers and design team members
Required Skills/Experience:
  • 5+ years experience designing user interfaces for web-based applications
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or Graphic Design
  • Ability to deliver simple, balanced designs
  • Lo-fi and hi-fi prototyping skills
  • Expertise in user-centered design methods and best practices
  • Expertise using workflow and wireframe tools such as Illustrator, OmniGraffle, or Visio
  • Expertise generating interactive prototypes
  • A diverse web-based portfolio that showcases your work
Bonus Points for the Following:
  • Experience working with children’s products and services is a plus
  • Technical background with intimate knowledge of Web standards - HTML, CSS, Javascript is a plus
  • Experience with game and level design a plus
  • Deep familiarity with iOS, Android, and/or Windows 8 design standards

All candidates must send a portfolio or work samples along with their inquiries, these should include examples of amazing visually rich interfaces.

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Product Marketing Manager

Tynker is the #1 kids coding platform in the market, designed specifically to teach children computational learning and programming skills in a fun and imaginative way. Tynker’s solutions are used for self-paced home learning, as curriculum for K-12 schools as well as camps and after-school programs. Tynker is well-funded by leading educators and top-tier Silicon Valley VCs.

Tynker is looking for a high-energy marketing leader to join our team as Product Marketing Manager. Are you an entrepreneurial self-starter? An innovative thinker? An aggressive executor? An inspiring leader? A collaborative team player? A kick-ass marketer with successful startup experience? Then read on!

Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for driving measurable results through effective programs, delivered across multiple channels. You will design and execute marketing campaigns to engage our parent audience and improve existing customer communications. The process includes research, planning, coordination, testing, design, execution, and results analysis.

  • Craft compelling messages for parents and students about Tynker’s product offerings
  • Drive adoption of Tynker’s products among students and parents through effective demand generation programs
  • Leverage marketing analytics to provide insights into and improve overall marketing ROI
  • Lead the definition and execution of long- and short-term marketing strategy and plans with a focus on (a) driving consumer awareness and (b) directing traffic from partners/bloggers and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.)
  • Manage production of creative for email, desktop and on-device notifications, and other customer touch points
  • Manage social media profiles and channels including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.
  • Manage parent and community outreach to identify key students to feature on our community pages
  • Lead PR strategy, planning, and execution with a focus on Business Press, Consumer Press, and other key influencers/tastemakers (including bloggers, celebrities, etc.)
  • Provide input into the development and design teams to improve our products based on market feedback

Qualifications

  • 8+ years marketing experience with a solid track record of developing and launching products, marketing programs, and initiatives
  • Direct-to-consumer e-commerce, direct response and/or online marketing experience with a solid understanding of the social marketing/media landscape
  • Proven success in developing and marketing new “kids” products, with previous experience in the education space (e.g. K-12 schools and districts, foundations, e-learning)
  • Experience launching and executing viral marketing campaigns
  • Previous success with the press, analysts, bloggers and other influencers in capturing consistent mindshare and category leadership
  • Deep knowledge of SEO/SMO best practices
  • Analytical thinker with outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write engaging messages targeted at multiple audiences, including educators, parents, and students
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
  • Ability to manage creative development along with strategic direction at every phase of the marketing lifecycle
  • BA or MBA from a Tier One university or business school

We are located in Mountain View, CA near the Caltrain station. We offer a competitive salary, generous stock option packages, full health, dental and vision benefits. If interested, please send us your resume at jobs.

Creative Content Writer / Editor

Are you an excellent writer with an unparalleled command of the English language? Do you get a kick out of engaging and growing an audience? Does the thought of a mission-critical role in a fast-paced environment energize you? Then you may be the perfect addition to our vibrant team!

Recent graduates from top-tier schools/universities to the front of the line! We prefer candidates in journalism, English or writing programs.

Please provide 3-4 writing samples along with your resume.

What you’ll do:

  • Write articles, documents, marketing collateral, and other internal and external deliverables that appeal to various audiences.
  • Author, edit, and proofread marketing copy for online, email, and social media initiatives
  • Oversee content for all outbound marketing and communications deliverables
  • Ensure that all of our content is on-brand and consistent in style, quality and tone
  • Manage editorial calendar and write 1-2 blog posts per week
  • Manage all communication with our community of parents and kid users
    • Write compelling content that makes our parent audience want to learn more
    • Conduct interviews with parents and kids over Skype or Google Hangouts
    • Come up with creative ideas, such as contests and events, to engage our community
    • Use Internet tools to develop clients and establish a good relationship with them

Key Position Requirements:

  • BA or BFA in English, Communication, or Journalism
  • Experience writing copy, developing content, editing, and proofing
  • Impeccable writing and oral communication skills, including grammar
  • Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail
  • Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Keynote, Google Docs, etc.)
  • Able to learn and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • A self-starter with a high level of energy and motivation
  • Minor in Computer Science or programming knowledge a big plus

If interested, please send your resume to jobs. Applications without writing samples will not be considered.

Editorial Intern

We're looking for someone who can proofread and create copy for our educational software as well as for our web site, blog, and social media presence. Current high school seniors, college students, or recent graduates from top-tier universities to the front of the line! We prefer candidates in journalism, English, or writing programs with some computer science or coding experience. Please provide a resume.

This position is a paid part-time or full-time internship.

What You'll Do:
  • Proofread copy within our educational software products
  • Author, edit, and proofread marketing copy for online, email, and social media initiatives
  • Edit and author blog posts
  • Moderate student community
Key Position Requirements:
  • Impeccable skill set in grammar, writing and editing
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong sense of urgency
  • Excellent computer skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Ability to learn and act in a fast-paced environment
  • Effective task management
  • A high level of energy and motivation
Preferred Qualifications
  • Some computer science or coding experience
  • Fluency in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Chinese

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Marketing Intern

We're looking for an energetic and enthusiastic professional with excellent verbal and written communication skills to help with a variety of marketing communication and sales-related projects. The individual must be highly motivated, passionate and be willing to roll up their sleeves and make things happen. In this role, you will collaborate closely with our sales and marketing team and work on several projects that are critical to our success. Your main responsibilities will include researching and concisely documenting customer needs and pain points, clearly mapping Tynker’s solution to customer requirements, and communicating the benefits of adopting Tynker.

Our mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in critical thinking skills to equip them for today's digital world. If you are passionate about preparing kids for the next millennium in computer science, and love a career in sales or marketing, your job search stops right here. All that is required of you is an eagerness to learn, and the desire to change your life and the lives of the children we serve for the better.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • BA or BS from an accredited university in Communication, Journalism, or English
  • High-energy, drive, and ambition with the ability to transition into a sales role
  • Must have a strong desire to succeed
  • Excellent verbal, written communication and listening skills
  • Past experience with creating sales and marketing communications
  • Sales experience such as cold calling is a big plus
  • Comfortable with software and Internet products and services
  • Comfortable with web presentation technologies like GotoMeeting and Google Hangouts

If interested, please send your resume and a writing sample to jobs.

Senior User Experience Designer - Chicago

Tynker is looking for a strategic thinker who will turn ideas into amazing product workflows that engage our primary customers – kids! You will be responsible for delivering all aspects of design, from defining customer needs to delivering prototypes and UI specifications.

Tynker is the #1 Kids Coding platform and helps millions of students learn coding. Our self-paced courses and creativity tools guide them from block coding to JavaScript, Swift and and Python. Tynker's mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in STEM, programming and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world.

Primary Tasks:
  • Design user interaction models, user flows and user interfaces
  • Define experiences across mediums – web, touch tablets, and phone
  • Collaborate with the executive team on strategy, roadmap and direction
  • Incorporate feedback from customers, developers and design team members
Required Skills/Experience:
  • 5+ years experience designing user interfaces for web-based applications
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or Graphic Design
  • Ability to deliver simple, balanced designs
  • Lo-fi and hi-fi prototyping skills
  • Expertise in user-centered design methods and best practices
  • Expertise using workflow and wireframe tools such as Illustrator, OmniGraffle, or Visio
  • Expertise generating interactive prototypes
  • A diverse web-based portfolio that showcases your work
Bonus Points for the Following:
  • Experience working with children’s products and services is a plus
  • Technical background with intimate knowledge of Web standards - HTML, CSS, Javascript is a plus
  • Experience with game and level design a plus
  • Deep familiarity with iOS, Android, and/or Windows 8 design standards

All candidates must send a portfolio or work samples along with their inquiries, these should include examples of amazing visually rich interfaces.

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Front-End Web Developer - Porto

We are looking for a full-stack developer who has a strong command of web development including Angular, CSS3, HTML5, Javascript, cross-browser development techniques and has a passion for building pixel-perfect, clean and elegant code. You will work with a team of developers building tools and frameworks used by millions of K-12 students to learn to code. While frameworks are great, you should have no problems building your own or hacking existing ones.

Tynker is the #1 Kids Coding platform and helps millions of students learn coding. Our self-paced courses and creativity tools guide them from block coding to JavaScript, Swift and and Python. Tynker’s mission is to provide every child with solid foundations in STEM, programming and critical thinking skills to prepare them to become better architects of their future world. Join a dynamic team of developers to come up with new and stimulating ways to engage young coders to get creative with code!

Primary Tasks:
  • Create awesome web experiences for young coders
  • Transform design comps made by creative leads to functional web applications
  • Create scalable cloud backend software that handles millions of users
  • Iterate and improve experiences periodically based on feedback
Requirements:
  • BS/MS degree in Computer Science
  • 5+ years of professional experience building and maintaining large sites (50+ pages)
  • Full grasp of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and AJAX-based JSON/XML web services
  • Should be proficient using frameworks like Angular, React, Foundation or Bootstrap
  • Must be comfortable with using PHP, Mongo, and other back-end technologies
  • Ability to debug cross-browser/cross-domain issues
  • Solid foundation creating cross-browser and responsive web experiences and understand the nuances of supporting tablet and mobile browsers
  • Must be able to quickly adapt and learn to work within an unfamiliar codebase
  • Must be familiar with various design and architectural patterns
  • Demonstrated ability to be self-driven and work with minimal supervision
  • Experience creating APIs and RESTful web services is preferred
  • Strong object oriented fundamentals with prior experience in Java or C++ is a plus

If interested, please send your resume to jobs.

Game Developer - Porto

We are seeking a talented game developer to join our game development team. In this position, you will collaborate with our game designers, developers and artists and drive the implementation of a variety of games, puzzles and interactive content that teach kids (9+) to program. You will be working on activities that span a variety of domains including Minecraft modding, game design, STEM activities for schools, drone programming and robotics.

Requirements:
  • BS/MS in game development, computer science, or mathematics
  • 3+ years of game development experience
  • Excellent knowledge of C, JavaScript or Python
  • Working knowledge of Web Design and development (HTML, XML, JavaScript, CSS)
  • Understanding of data structures and algorithms
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to learn and act in a fast-paced environment
  • A high level of energy and motivation
  • Passion for games and game development
  • Extensive knowledge of PC games, console games, player types, and game mechanics.

Please include a portfolio link or a game reel in your application.

If interested, please send your resume and portfolio to jobs.