2026-2027 High School Robotics Sponsor (Lead)

Sylvania; Manassas Park (VA); On-site; USD 1,500 - 5,200; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania is seeking a Robotics Coach for the Manassas Park High School Robotics Team to lead practices, mentor students, and oversee competitions. The role focuses on engineering, programming, and teamwork, with student development as the core goal.

The position is a stipend-driven, school-year opportunity requiring after-school, evening, and weekend availability to support competitions and events. Experience with robotics hardware and software is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or higher required; bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field preferred.
• Experience with robotics or STEM fields is preferred.
• Familiarity with robotics hardware/software (VEX, CAD, programming) preferred.
• Must meet MPCS coaching onboarding and background check requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and supervise robotics team practices, meetings, and events.
• Provide instruction in engineering design, programming, and robot construction.
• Foster an inclusive, teamwork-focused environment.
• Supervise students during competitions, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Maintain equipment and manage supplies with prior approval.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Motivate students

Coaching requirements

Education

High school diploma

STEM degree preferred

Tools

VEX Robotics

CAD

Programming basics

Job description

POSITION: Robotics Coach (Stipend Position)

Salary/Hours:

• Stipend Position: (split and paid on November 13 and April 15)
• Position Length: School Year (as determined by program needs)
• Hours: After school, evenings, and weekends, including competitions and tournaments

JOB SUMMARY:

The Robotics Coach provides leadership and oversight for the Manassas Park High School Robotics Team. The coach is responsible for fostering student interest in robotics, engineering, and computer science while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. The Robotics Coach organizes practices, manages team operations, and supervises students at all competitions and events. This position reports to the Athletic/Activities Director and the building administration.

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND SKILLS:

• High school diploma or higher required; bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field preferred.
• Experience with robotics, engineering design, programming, or related STEM fields preferred.
• Familiarity with robotics hardware and software (e.g., VEX Robotics, CAD, programming, troubleshooting, chassis and drive train design) preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to motivate and inspire high school students in a positive, supportive manner.
• Must complete all MPCS coaching/onboarding requirements, including background check and required certifications.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment and meet all MPCS, VHSL, and applicable training requirements for athletic coaches.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, organize, and supervise all robotics team practices, meetings, and events.
• Provide instruction and mentorship in engineering design, programming, and robot construction.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment that emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Supervise students during all robotics competitions, including evenings, weekends, and overnight trips when required.
• Oversee and maintain robotics equipment; request or purchase supplies with prior approval.
• Communicate with students, families, and staff regarding schedules, expectations, and team activities.
• Mediate conflicts and guide students through the collaborative design process.
• Ensure adherence to all school division policies, safety guidelines, and competition rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Athletic/Activities Director or building administration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the ability to effectively communicate and interact with other staff and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment such as, but not limited to, a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions will be required.

CLEARANCES (Conditions for employment):

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• Tuberculosis Screening

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Manassas Park City Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. However, management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.