Robotics & 3D Design Program Lead

About us

AI & Robotics Youth Foundation (ARYF) is a Tustin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission: prepare young minds to lead the AI era. AI Innovation Academy (academy.aryf.org) is our tuition-based program, with small, in-person classes at our dedicated, fully equipped Tustin lab. Our robotics students had a strong 2025–26 season: the Excellence Award (California Region 4), the Amaze Award at VEX Worlds, and Robot Skills Champion.

The role

We're looking for one person to own our 3D design, 3D modeling and robotics program for younger students: build it, teach it and grow it. Our focus is elementary and middle school kids, most of them complete beginners. You'll start as our lead instructor. As enrollment grows, you'll help us hire and train the instructors who join you. A VEX competition track is on our roadmap down the line, but it isn't the immediate priority.

What you'll do

• Own the program: plan the course lineup and learning path in 3D design, 3D modeling, 3D printing and robotics for elementary and middle school students
• Build the curriculum: improve our existing materials, and design new age-appropriate courses, projects and assessments where there are gaps
• Teach: lead hands-on, beginner-friendly classes that keep younger kids engaged and excited to build
• Run the lab: look after the printers, robot kits, tools and supplies, and keep shop safety rules in place
• Grow the team: help interview, onboard and mentor new instructors, and set teaching standards so every class feels consistent
• Work with parents: share progress updates and run student showcases
• Down the line: help Coach Robert build a VEX competition track as students advance

What we're looking for

• A degree in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics or a related field. A strong portfolio can stand in for the exact major
• Fluent in 3D modeling and CAD (Fusion 360, Onshape, Tinkercad or similar), and able to teach it to kids starting from a blank sketch
• Real 3D printing experience: slicing, supports, orientation, tolerances and fixing failed prints
• Hands-on robotics experience: building, wiring and programming robots
• Experience teaching, tutoring or coaching elementary or middle school kids
• Patient and upbeat. You can make technical ideas simple and fun for a 9-year-old
• Self-motivated and organized. You like building something from scratch
• Nice to have: VEX competition experience, curriculum design, training or leading others, Arduino or electronics, Mandarin

Requirements

• Fluent spoken English. You'll teach and talk with parents in English
• Authorized to work in the U.S. We can't sponsor visas
• On-site at our Tustin lab, near Irvine. This isn't a remote job
• Background check required

Compensation

$35–50 per hour, depending on experience. Part-time. As the program grows, we're also open to a revenue-sharing arrangement on top of the hourly pay.

How to apply

Apply here on Indeed, or email [email protected] with your résumé, photos of something you designed and built, and the hours you're available.

Learn more at academy.aryf.org.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person