FIRST Robotics Coaches / Instructors Code Ninjas is the nation's fastest-growing kids coding and STEM education franchise. At our centers, kids and teens build confidence, critical thinking skills, and teamwork by exploring robotics, coding, and engineering through hands-on experiences.
Our mission:
Kids have fun, parents see results. Whether they're coding games or programming advanced robots, students are always engaged, growing, and preparing for the future. We are seeking passionate and dedicated FIRST Robotics Coaches / Instructors to lead, mentor, and support our competitive youth robotics teams across multiple divisions: FIRST LEGO League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). This role is perfect for someone who loves hands-on engineering, enjoys working with tech-minded youth, and thrives on mentoring future engineers. You will guide students through the complexities of the official FIRST season and off-season training, helping them design, build, program, and strategize their way to competition success. Scheduling & Availability Requirements: For FLL Programs: Weekday availability is required. For FTC & FRC Programs: Weekend availability is required.
What you'll do:
Coach and mentor competitive teams (ranging from elementary to high school) through their official competition seasons and training bootcamps. Guide younger students in building and programming autonomous LEGO robots (Spike Prime) to complete complex field missions and develop an innovative Research Project. Guide older students in designing and building robust, metal-structured robots using industry-standard parts, control systems, and pneumatics/electronics. Support students in programming languages appropriate to their division (Word Blocks/Python for FLL, advanced Java for FTC and FRC Auto and TeleOp).Mentor teams on game strategy, mechanical design, documentation (Engineering Portfolios/Notebooks), and presentation skills for competitions. Foster a highly collaborative, inclusive, and respectful team environment centered on FIRST Core Values and Gracious Professionalism. Communicate regularly and proactively with the Center Manager regarding team tasks, progress, and competition logistics, while keeping parents updated on schedules.
What you bring:
Experience working with children, youth, or teens in a teaching, coaching, or mentoring capacity.
Strong technical familiarity with robotics hardware, electronics, and mechanical engineering concepts.
Solid programming foundations (Java or Python preferred) or a strong willingness to learn the FIRST software ecosystems.
Ability to break down complex engineering and coding principles into structured, student-led milestones.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Reliability, patience, and a genuine passion for competitive STEM education.
Bonus if you have (Preferred Qualifications):Prior experience participating in, mentoring, or coaching FLL, FTC, or FRC teams (Highly desired).An academic or professional background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science.
Experience with CAD software (such as Onshape, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks) for robot design.
Compensation: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
