Robotics Lead Mentor

KIPP Public Schools Northern California•San Lorenzo, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Robotics Lead Mentor leads KIPP King Collegiate's FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program, creating an engaging, safe, and high-quality engineering experience that develops students' technical knowledge, leadership skills, and passion for STEM. This role partners with the Robotics Club Advisor, volunteer mentors, families, and school staff to deliver a successful year-round robotics program, including preseason activities, competition season, and community outreach. In this role, you own projects end-to-end with real autonomy over how the work gets done. You make day-to-day execution decisions and bring your manager in when something would change the program's direction or require resources beyond your scope.

Requirements

Minimum two years of experience mentoring, coaching, teaching, or leading a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team or comparable STEM program.
Experience leading project-based learning or engineering instruction with high school students.
Demonstrated knowledge of FIRST Robotics Competition rules, engineering design processes, and robotics systems.
Experience safely operating fabrication equipment, hand tools, and power tools used in robotics.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities throughout the robotics season.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, volunteers, and school staff.
Commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Ability to maintain current First Aid/CPR certification and complete all required NFHS coaching certifications.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CAD software, 3D printing, CNC routers, mills, or machining.
Experience securing grants or fundraising for STEM programs.
Experience working in a K–12 school or youth development environment.

Responsibilities

Leads the planning and execution of the FIRST Robotics Competition program, ensuring students participate in a structured, engaging, and high-quality robotics experience throughout the year.
Develops seasonal plans, practice schedules, competition preparation, and outreach activities that maximize student learning, teamwork, and competitive readiness.
Implements program improvements informed by student outcomes, mentor feedback, and evolving FIRST Robotics best practices.
Leads technical instruction in engineering design, programming, fabrication, and robotics systems so students build the skills necessary to compete successfully and safely.
Coordinates participation in all competitions, preseason events, and outreach opportunities, ensuring students are prepared academically, technically, and behaviorally.
Develops a team culture that promotes collaboration, perseverance, inclusion, academic responsibility, and gracious professionalism.
Coordinates volunteer mentors by aligning responsibilities with individual expertise and ensuring consistent support for student learning and team operations.
Develops strong partnerships with families, school staff, community organizations, and competition partners that strengthen student participation and program sustainability.
Implements communication systems that keep families and stakeholders informed about practices, competitions, travel, and program expectations.
Manages robotics facilities, equipment, tools, and materials to ensure safe, organized, and effective program operations.
Implements safety procedures, required certifications, and student training so all activities comply with FIRST Robotics, school, and district requirements.
Coordinates travel logistics, facility reservations, equipment inventory, and operational planning that support successful competitions and events.
Manages the robotics program budget, monitoring expenditures and ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support student learning and competition goals.
Coordinates fundraising and grant opportunities with the Robotics Club Advisor and school leadership to sustain and expand program opportunities.
Maintains accurate inventories of robotics equipment, tools, and supplies to ensure responsible stewardship of program resources.
Other duties as assigned.