Mechanical Engineer

Does the thought of preparing kids to solve the world’s greatest problems excite and empower you? Do you want to apply your creative and innovative ideas in creation of robot games? Do you want to be with an organization where your knowledge and skills will help increase school engagement and student success, and extend our global reach? Do you want to be on a team that crafts opportunities and provides life changing experiences for students?

These opportunities are as strong and dynamic as ever, as FIRST® creates the people who will change the world – today and tomorrow!

What We Offer
We promise a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding environment where you will be part of a team that cares about each other and thrives on each other’s successes. You’ll feel good about the future of the world after doing hard work with the talented people at FIRST® and will have a front row seat to our life changing programs.

Our extensive benefits package is highly competitive and includes:

• Healthcare Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance 
• Supplemental life insurance
• Voluntary accident and legal plans
• Income Protection Insurances (STD & LTD)
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Hybrid Work Model
• 160 PTO hours for FT employees 
• 9 paid holidays per calendar year (one is a floating holiday)
• Paid July 4th Week Holiday Closure 
• 40 hours paid sick leave per calendar year
• One paid volunteer day per anniversary year
• Maternity and Parental Leave
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Medial and dependent pre-tax flex plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The salary range for this position is $85,000-$96,000. New hires typically start within this range based on their qualifications, experience, and considerations of internal equity.

Who You Are
You are an experienced engineering professional who enjoys solving complex problems, exploring new technologies, and turning ideas into reality. In this role, you will contribute to the design, prototyping, testing, documentation, and ongoing support of the FIRST Robotics Competition game and playing field. With Gracious Professionalism®, our ideal candidate will collaborate with staff and volunteers to create a safe, innovative, and unforgettable competition experience that inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.

FIRST headquarters is in Manchester, New Hampshire, and we seek candidates based in New England or willing to relocate to New England. This position requires an onsite presence.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What You Will Do
Design, analyze, and test components used in the FIRST Robotics Competition.
Additionally, you will:

• Contribute to the FRC game design process by generating and refining game concepts, creating prototypes, aiding in game discussion, writing the FRC game manual, and designing/building demonstration robots.
• Create technical drawings and assembly documentation for external production vendors.
• Collaborate with other engineering staff to create training documentation used by volunteers to run FRC events.
• Manage and document requirements, specifications, and procedures to ensure goals are clearly understood and met.
• Support in-house resources and other staff members as needed. Help develop project goals, manage schedules, plan and support budgetary guidelines working with the Mechanical Engineering Manager.
• Work within the FRC Engineering Group to build in-house capacity to assure adequate product testing, including reliability, compliance with specifications, and applicability to task.
• Develop methods that support future expansion of FIRST in size and scope.
• Provide general guidance/direction to or train associate or technician level personnel.
• During competition season (March and April) provide evening and weekend support when scheduled.
• Prepare and pack playing field materials for each competition season.
• Produce a field assembly and packing document for each competition season.

What We Expect

• BS/BA in an engineering related discipline, with a minimum of 2 years directly-related experience.
• Basic shop skills and competence using basic hand and power tools.
• Must have a history of successfully meeting specifications and cost, timing, and reliability targets.
• Must have proficiency in programs such as: SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo or other parametric CAD program. Onshape experience specifically a plus.
• Experience with fabrication (wood, metal), CNC machines, routers, Bridgeport Mills, lathes, design for sheet metal, and/or TIG welding a plus.
• Experience with competitive robotics is a plus.
• Flexibility to travel 5-10%.

Commitment to FIRST® Core Values:
Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Thriving on our core values, celebrating the uniqueness of our employees and committed to inclusion. Proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

By submitting my application, I certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statements or omissions may result in disqualification from employment or, if employed, termination.

I acknowledge that FIRST may conduct a comprehensive background check as part of the hiring process. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of my employment history, education, professional credentials, employment references, and a review of prior involvement with FIRST in an employment or volunteer capacity.

I further acknowledge that if I receive a conditional offer of employment, my employment status remains contingent upon the results of a criminal records check, and that the findings may affect my eligibility for employment. Additionally, for certain positions where job responsibilities warrant it, FIRST may conduct a credit check as part of the background screening process, in compliance with applicable laws.

FIRST takes your privacy seriously, and we are dedicated to protecting the confidentiality of your personal data. If you apply for a position at FIRST, we will collect, process, and store your personal data, such as your name, contact information, and application materials, to comply with our regulatory and legal obligations. FIRST will retain employment records, including employment applications, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.