Hybrid Robotics Mechanical Coach at NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, SHERMAN OAKS

Description

ABOUT NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

Notre Dame High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, educates the hearts and minds of students who are diverse in ethnicity, talent, and culture. As a community of faith, Notre Dame strives to form each student – spiritually, intellectually, and socially – to recognize the dignity of all persons and to serve the evolving needs of the world. Notre Dame faculty are expected to be men and women of integrity and able to espouse Catholic, Holy Cross, and Notre Dame mission values that will set a positive example for all students.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION

The Robotics Mechanical Coach is a part-time position reporting to the STEAM Director and the Administrative Team, which includes the Principal and Vice Principals.  This role is integral to the success of the school’s FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) programs, supporting students in the design, construction, and integration of competitive robots. 

The coach is responsible for providing hands-on guidance in mechanical engineering, electrical systems, fabrication, and collaborative problem solving in preparation for regional, state, and world-level competitions. 

The coach leads students through the complete engineering design process - from initial brainstorming and sketching, to CAD modeling, prototyping, and final construction of the robot - ensuring that students develop a solid foundation in mechanical design principles, including structural integrity, drivetrain configuration, gear ratios, and mechanisms specific to the season’s game. Additionally, the coach will supervise and train students in the safe and effective use of hand tools, power tools, and machine shop equipment such as CNC router, bench mill, bandsaw, drill press, 3D printers, and disc sander. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the team with the robot design, construction, and programming of the robot during regular team meetings held five days a week from 3:15 PM to 5:45 PM
• Attend and support league meets and tournaments, including extended evening hours (from 3:15 PM to 8:30 PM), and weekend commitments during peak competition season
• Instruct and assist students in wiring the robot's power and signal systems in compliance with FTC safety and design standards
• Help students understand hardware/software interactions and emphasize system testing and iterative development
• Guide students in goal setting, project planning, and time management, while encouraging a student-led problem-solving environment
• Deliver mini-lessons and demonstrations in key engineering concepts, tools, and safety practices
• Enforce all shop/lap safety protocols, including the use of PPE, proper supervision procedures, and safe machining practices
• Support the team(s) in developing and completing their Engineering Portfolio, ensuring documentation aligns with FTC guidelines and reflects the full design process.
• Meet with students weekly to establish clear goals, track progress, and provide guidance throughout the project timeline.

Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities:

• Assist the STEAM Director and the coaching staff in identifying and ordering necessary materials in alignment with Notre Dame High School's purchasing procedures
• Collaborate with other coaches and coordinate volunteer mentors, aligning their expertise with student development goals
• Meet with the STEAM Director twice a month to review team progress, set goals, and align with program objectives
• Maintain open, ongoing communication with the coaching team and the STEAM Director regarding updates, needs, and student progress 
• Promote a culture of  collaboration, inclusivity, and student leadership among the robotics team and mentor community
   

FIRST Tech Challenge Season Overview:

The FTC season runs from mid-August through the end of April, with varying levels of commitment based on the competition calendar.

• August: Team(s) recruitment, mentor onboarding, community outreach, and skill-building workshops
• September – October: Kickoff and game reveal; intense robot design and build phase, community outreach. Assist with Saturday  setup and Sunday hosting of the League D meet Zero 
• November – February: League and inter-league competitions in the San Fernando Valley. Assist with Saturday setup and Sunday hosting of League D meet 1-3 and ILT events 
• March – April: Advancement to regional, state, and World championships (if qualified). If advancing, the coach must be willing to travel with the team and be able to safely drive school/rental vans. If not advancing, begin off-season activities and outreach initiatives

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related STEM field is preferred
• College students with strong FTC or FRC experience and demonstrated technical proficiency skills are also encouraged to apply
• Candidates must demonstrate technical competency, maturity, and a passion for student mentorship

Technical & Fabrication Skills:

• Experience in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, robotics, and industrial technology
• Prior experience with FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) or similar robotics programs is preferred.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Fusion or Inventor)
• Experience operating a CNC router, including generating toolpaths and fabricating parts from CAD files 
• Strong knowledge of the engineering design process and mechanical systems (e.g., drivetrains, gear ratios, linear slides)
• Familiarity with G & M code and willingness to collaborate with software mentor,  coaches, and the STEAM Director
• Hands-on experience supervising students using:
   
  • CNC Router
  • Disc sanders
  • Drill press
  • Bandsaw
  • Hand tools and measurement instruments

Other Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to relate to high school students and build positive relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries. 
• Willingness to collaborate, problem solve, and share best practices with colleagues. 
• Cultural competency and the ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds 
• Proficiency with  technology platforms, especially Canvas and Zoom  
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in educational practices aligned with Notre Dame's Holy Cross Catholic mission.