As the inaugural Director, the successful candidate will provide strategic, instructional, technical, and operational leadership for the School's evolving robotics program and will shape the instructional model, facility design, staffing, and competition strategy for robotics. The Director will be expected to teach, engineer, design program systems, manage complex projects, mentor students and student leaders, and build the adult team needed to sustain the program's growth. The program may grow in phases, beginning with strong teaching, curriculum development, and student-led project work before expanding its competitive offerings. Over time, the Director will be responsible for growing the program into a distinctive, high-performing, flagship robotics experience.
WHAT YOU'LL DO- Program Vision and Strategy
- Design and execute a multi-year vision for the 7th-12th grade robotics program.
- Establish a progressive developmental pathway across grade levels (Grades 7-9 Middle School and Grades 10-12 Upper School).
- Lead high-level planning for program expansion, and establish clear milestones, timelines, resource allocation, and success metrics.
- Contribute to the strategy and usage plan for the innovation space to benefit the robotics team and the wider innovation initiatives and programs.
Coaching- Coach and mentor competitive teams in FIRST Robotics (FRC) and VEX Robotics. The current program consists of VEX Robotics in grades 7 to 8 and FIRST Robotics in grades 9 to 12.
- Cultivate a student-led team culture including pathways to develop student leadership.
- Recruit, train, and manage assistant coaches as well as volunteer industry mentors.
Teaching and Lab Operations- Direct curriculum development and provide instruction in engineering design, technical problem-solving, and programming.
- Teach related classes in the Kutler Center.
- Manage daily operations and safety protocols for the innovation lab, including equipment maintenance, machinery supervision, and tool troubleshooting.
- Structure lab time to balance daytime instructional support, student drop-in project work, and structured after-school team coaching.
- Standardize student technical competencies across fabrication equipment (e.g., CNC routers, 3D printers, laser cutters, etc.), and programming platforms.
- Develop supervision strategies for the student workshop activities during lunchtime, free periods, and extending through the afternoon.
Community Responsibilities and School Integration- Participate in school-wide responsibilities including advisory, lunch supervision, and professional development days.
- Collaborate across departments and campuses in support of the school's mission and broader community life.
- Other duties as assigned.
WHAT YOU BRINGWe know that strong candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and pathways. If you meet most of the qualifications below and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.
- An innovative educator energized by building and elevating a robotics program, with experience in robotics instruction, engineering design, and project-based learning; prior teaching experience preferred.
- Experience coaching or mentoring competitive robotics teams, preferably in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and/or VEX Robotics, including robot design, construction, programming, and competition preparation.
- Demonstrated hands-on proficiency in robotics engineering, including CAD/CAM, mechanical design, fabrication and assembly, electrical and control systems, and robotics programming. Ability to guide student-led engineering and technical problem-solving in an advanced fabrication environment, with planned capabilities including manual and CNC milling, mini-mill operations, CNC routing, laser cutting, and waterjet cutting.
- Demonstrated ability to lead safe fabrication and assembly operations, including establishing and enforcing safety procedures, training students and assessing their readiness for equipment use, and providing appropriate supervision. Ability to evaluate equipment purchases and program needs, coordinate installation, maintenance, and repairs with qualified personnel, and maintain safe, organized, and effective shop operations.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to translate a program vision into clear priorities, timelines, systems, and results.
- A thoughtful mentor who inspires students, develops student leaders, and collaborates with teaching/coaching staff and adult mentors.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, organization, and relationship-building skills, with comfort navigating ambiguity, phased growth, and shaping the program's long-term direction.
- A bachelor's degree in robotics, engineering, physical science, computer science, technology education, or a related field is preferred.
SCHEDULEThis full-time, 12-month, exempt position which requires weekday afternoons and early evenings, with availability beginning as early as lunchtime to supervise student use of the robotics facility and equipment. At least two weekends per month, including Saturdays and Sundays, are required for VEX and FRC competitions and program activities. The robotics season runs from late July/early August through potentially late May. Travel includes local tournaments and, if teams qualify, overnight travel for state competitions and out-of-state air travel for up to five days for world championships in late spring.
COMPENSATIONThis is an exempt position with a salary range between $120,000-$150,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.
BENEFITS- This position is eligible for Harvard-Westlake's full benefits package, which includes:
- Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage (Platinum Anthem PPO) with zero to low premium contributions
- 10% retirement match through TIAA - no cap, no vesting schedule
- On-campus meal allowance - lunch included
- Professional and personal growth grants
- Subsidized employee housing (based on availability)
- Access to on-campus gym and pool facilities
- Mental wellness resources and workshops
- Employee Affinity Groups
- Paid vacation, starting at two weeks and increasing accrual rates with tenure
- Paid holidays in addition to Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Break
- Complimentary tickets to local sporting and entertainment events
- Discount at the school bookstore
Harvard-Westlake is an independent school with two campuses in Los Angeles and approximately 1,600 students enrolled in grades 7-12. Classes for grades 7-9 take place on the Middle School campus in the Holmby Hills neighborhood, while grades 10-12 are housed on the Upper School campus in Studio City. A third campus, River Park, focused on athletics and recreation, is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.
We are dedicated to fostering a community of belonging and to advancing diversity and inclusion across all aspects of school life. We seek educators and staff who demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practice and to fostering a community of belonging; who can work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a dynamic environment with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds; and who exemplify professionalism, openness, and generosity in their interactions with students and colleagues.
