Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Does the thought of preparing kids to solve the world’s greatest problems excite and empower you? 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
• 14 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 (with employer match)
• Medical and dependent pre-tax flex plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 (min - midpoint). New hires typically start between the range minimum and midpoint based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Who You Are

You are an experienced strategic leader with strong technical expertise, excellent management skills, and a passion for fostering innovation and collaboration.

In this role, you will lead the design, production, and distribution of the mechanical aspects of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) playing field.

With Gracious Professionalism , our ideal candidate will lead a team of engineering and technical professionals, ensuring that everyone is provided with growth and learning opportunities.

FIRST headquarters is in Manchester, New Hampshire, and we seek candidates based in New England or willing to relocate to New England.

The position requires on-site presence almost daily for both game and staff development, with the possibility of occasional remote work.

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

Manage Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Field Maintenance, Field Production & Distribution, and other Engineering resources, ensuring effective team collaboration and productivity.

Additionally, you will :

• Provide customer service to and collaborate with other departments and personnel in FIRST , ensuring effective flow of information and follow-through on mutual objectives and priorities.
• Plan, evaluate, and prototype kit materials and game elements, acting as the technical liaison to manufacturers and / or fulfillment partners.
• Manage expenditures for FRC engineering and warehouse within the assigned budget. Utilize creativity to design and create cost-effective playing fields and game elements.

Seek new vendors / suppliers to acquire equipment to support the FRC program.

• Create, maintain, and manage processes to support FRC field design, production, distribution, and support.
• Review FRC product designs for compliance with engineering principles, FIRST standards, Safety, and related specifications.
• Responsible for technical studies, product design, preparation, specifications, technical plans, and product testing for FRC game design.
• Ensure the quality of FRC playing field, ease of assembly, and game elements.
• Manage, train and support FIRST Technical Advisors (FTAs) and monitor and manage FRC event execution.
• Develop and maintain FRC engineering standards including design, trucking, drafting, and safety standards.
• Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Actively participate in FRC game design activities.
• Create and maintain documentation to support various department initiatives and projects.
• May travel occasionally during the FRC competition season to support events.
• Foster a positive work culture within the Mechanical Engineering team, promoting FIRST Core Values.

What We Expect

A Senior Manager who can ensure the efficient operation of the engineering team, develop innovative game elements, and maintain high standards for product design and safety.

We are also seeking candidates with the following knowledge, skills, and experience :

• BS / BA degree in related discipline, at least 6 years directly related experience, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to effectively lead and motivate a diverse team of engineers and technicians.
• Proven experience collaborating with various departments and external partners, ensuring effective information flow, project success, and decision-making.
• Familiarity with the specific challenges and requirements of designing and producing robotics competition elements; experience in the robotics or manufacturing industry (preferred).
• Experience managing a six-figure project budget and optimizing costs without compromising quality.
• Proficiency in CAD software and other engineering tools / design software, as well as experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft collaboration tools.
• Excellent collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility to travel 5 - 10% depending on the time of the year.

Commitment to FIRST Core Values

Discovery : We explore new skills and ideas.

Do you have the right skills and experience for this role Read on to find out, and make your application.

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 .

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