Robotics Coach

LA Catholics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Notre Dame High School seeks a part-time Robotics Outreach Coach to support its FIRST Tech Challenge programs and coordinate outreach activities. You will assist with the Engineering Notebook and Engineering Portfolio while guiding students in a lab setting.

The role emphasizes after-school hours, weekend events, and collaboration with the STEAM Director to ensure compliant documentation and ongoing student development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field preferred.
• FTC or FRC experience on a robotics team is preferred.
• Prior coaching, teaching, or youth mentoring experience.
• Experience with robotics outreach activities.
• Willingness to learn FTC rules and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and supervise outreach activities regularly after school Mon–Thu 3:15–5:45 pm.
• Attend league meets and tournaments with extended evening and weekend hours.
• Maintain student supervision and safety with at least two coaches present.
• Document outreach activities and organize contacts and outcomes.
• Support students with Engineering Notebook and Engineering Portfolio.

Skills

Coaching/Mentoring

Communication

Robotics outreach

Team collaboration

Safety supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

FTC/FRC experience preferred

Tools

Canvas

Zoom

Job description

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.

The Robotics Outreach Coach is a part-time position supporting the success of Notre Dame’s FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) programs. This role coordinates community outreach, maintains clear and consistent communication with the coaching staff and STEAM Director, and supports students with the Engineering Notebook and Engineering Portfolio. The coach ensures that the program’s non-technical responsibilities, such as outreach, documentation, and communications, are carried out as reliably and thoroughly as the technical build process, and that students are appropriately supervised and supported at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Schedule and Supervision

• Assist the team with outreach activities regularly from Monday through Thursday, 3:15 pm to 5:45 p.m.
• Attend and support league meets and tournaments, including extended evening hours (3:15 PM to 8:30 PM) and weekend commitments during peak competition season.
• Help ensure at least two coaches are present during each practice to maintain appropriate student supervision and safety.
• Enforce all shop/lab safety protocols, including proper PPE use, supervision procedures, and safe machining practices.
• Helps students identify and schedule outreach opportunities.
• Coordinate transportation and adult supervision in accordance with school policy.\
• Document completed outreach activities, including organization contacts, scheduled or attended events, participating students, and outcomes.

Student Support and Documentation

• Guide students in weekly goal setting, project planning, and time management, while encouraging a student‑led problem‑solving environment.
• 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.

Sponsorship Responsibilities

• Follow up with students and coaches to gather all requested sponsorship information.
• Document sponsorship tasks, responsible parties, and deadlines clearly, and communicate updates through work email.

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 commitment levels varying 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 safely drive school/rental vans. If not advancing, begin off‑season activities and outreach initiatives

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field is preferred
• College students with strong FTC or FRC experience are preferred.
• Prior coaching, teaching, or youth mentoring experience.
• Experience with robotics outreach activities
• Willingness to learn FTC rules and protocols
• Available during after‑school hours and weekends during the competition season.
• Candidates must demonstrate technical competency, maturity, and a passion for student mentorship.
• Ability to supervise students in a lab or workshop environment.

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.

Wage Range

The rate of pay offered to the selected candidate is based on internal pay policy and budget. New hires are commonly paid at the minimum of the wage range or within the lower part of the range. We consider a number of factors when making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience, training and other department needs.