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
