Do you like working with teams, inspiring the next generation of engineers, and helping students turn big ideas into real working machines? Do you know a little about engineering design, enjoy solving problems, love tools, and believe collaboration is the best way to build something great? NVEF is looking for a problem solver who enjoys a good robot competition and wants to help youth learn, build, and grow.
Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Robotics Coach/Mentor will support the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s FIRST Robotics Competition team, housed at the Discovery Campus after school and on weekends. This is a part-time position for someone who enjoys working with high school age youth and has experience or interest in robotics, engineering, fabrication, programming, design, tools, or hands-on problem solving.
NVEF is looking for a coach or mentor who can join an existing team of adult volunteers and help students learn, build, problem-solve, and compete. The strongest candidates will be patient, curious, reliable, and excited to help high school students grow in confidence and technical skill.
The team meets primarily after school and on weekends, with additional hours during the January-April competition season. This position is part-time, up to 20 hours per week depending on the season and the candidate’s availability. Hourly rate is based on experience, $35-$50 per hour.
Background on Position:
NVEF’s robotics team is part of FIRST Robotics Competition, an international program where students design, build, and compete with robots while learning engineering, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. The team is housed at NVEF’s Discovery Campus, our arts and education hub in Napa’s Oxbow District.
This role will work alongside an existing group of coaches and mentors. The immediate need is for someone who can coach and support students during the build and competition season, especially in robot engineering design, fabrication, programming, mechanical systems, electrical systems, project management, or general team mentorship. Over time, the position may grow into a larger leadership role depending on the candidate’s interest, experience, and availability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support high school students as they design, build, test, and improve their competition robot.
- Work with existing coaches and mentors to create a positive, safe, and welcoming team environment.
- Provide hands-on coaching in one or more areas such as mechanical design, fabrication, programming, electronics, CAD, 3D printing, tools, machining, or general engineering problem-solving.
- Help students learn safe and responsible use of tools, equipment, materials, and workspace.
- Encourage student leadership, teamwork, creativity, persistence, and confidence.
- Attend team meetings, build sessions, and competitions as available and agreed upon with NVEF.
- Support basic team logistics, communication, and preparation for events in partnership with NVEF staff and other mentors.
- Help students understand and practice FIRST values, including Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, Fun, Gracious Professionalism, and Coopertition.
- For candidates interested in additional hours, help develop or teach robotics, STEM, makerspace, or engineering classes and camps at the Discovery Campus.
Qualifications:
- Experience, education, or strong interest in robotics, engineering, fabrication, programming, design, construction, electronics, machining, mechanics, or another hands-on STEM field.
- Ability to work well with high school students in a supportive, patient, and encouraging way.
- Comfortable helping students solve problems rather than simply doing the work for them.
- Willingness to work as part of a team of coaches, mentors, volunteers, students, and NVEF staff.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Availability for after-school, eventually to a and weekend meetings, especially during the January-April competition season.
- Prior experience with FIRST Robotics, FRC, FTC, FLL, robotics clubs, engineering clubs, shop classes, makerspaces, or youth programs is helpful but not required.
Technical Areas of Interest:
Candidates do not need to have experience in all of these areas. NVEF welcomes applicants with strength in one or more of the following:
- Mechanical design
- Programming
- Electrical systems
- CAD or 3D modeling
- Fabrication
- Machining
- Welding
- Woodworking
- 3D printing
- Tool safety
- Project management
- Team mentorship
- Engineering design
- Robotics competition experience
Requirements:
- Applicants must submit a resume showing relevant professional experience, technical background, classroom experience, youth mentoring experience, or volunteer experience.
- Selected applicants must complete required fingerprinting/background clearance before working with students.
- FIRST requires coaches, mentors, and volunteers to complete Youth Protection Program Training, including Live Scan fingerprint background check through the California Department of Justice and online Mandated Reporter Training, as required by state law for volunteers who work with youth.
- Additional training may be required based on the role, schedule, and level of student supervision.
Compensation:
This is a part-time hourly position. The rate is $35-$50 per hour, based on experience. Hours will vary depending on the season, team schedule, competition calendar, and candidate availability.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume highlighting your robotics, engineering, technical, teaching, mentoring, or hands-on experience. Applicants are encouraged to share which areas of robotics or STEM they are most interested in supporting. Email to:
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour
Ability to Commute:
- Napa, CA 94559 (Required)
Work Location: In person
