The Robotics Lab Manager will lead the launch and manage the day-to-day operation of Digital Ready’s Robotics Lab at the Future of Work Lab. In this in-person role, the Robotics Lab Manager will design and facilitate the Robotics & Automation Fundamentals course for the Fall 2026 semester while creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that prepare young adults for careers in robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and engineering. The Lab Manager will oversee the lab environment, manage equipment and safety, develop industry-aligned projects, and cultivate employer partnerships that connect participants to high-demand STEM careers.
Schedule & Location
- Dates: September 1, 2026 – January 22, 2027
- Class days/times: Tuesday + Thursday 2:30 –5:30 pm, 6 hours per week
- Location: 3377 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02130
OUR MISSION
Digital Ready prepares the next generation of Black and Latinx innovators for high-wage careers in Boston’s rapidly growing innovation economy. We create equitable pathways that connect young people to emerging industries through hands-on learning, industry-aligned training, and meaningful work-based experiences.
Being Digital Ready means being prepared to navigate and shape a constantly evolving world. Our apprentices develop the technical skills, creative confidence, and problem-solving mindsets needed to address complex challenges while building the social capital and credentials required to access economic opportunity. Through Digital Ready’s pathways, students earn valuable “currency” for the innovation economy—including industry-recognized credentials, college credits, professional digital portfolios, and meaningful relationships with employers, mentors, and industry leaders.
OUR VALUES
- We actively fight against the status quo that allows injustices to be perpetuated without accountability;
- We use our political power, social capital, and networks to create access to high-quality education opportunities for students;
- We value diverse perspectives, which we believe leads to more identity-affirming and innovative learning experiences for students;
- We are committed to being an anti-racist organization that prioritizes the voices of students and communities of color;
- We intentionally support the redesign of policies and structures of systemic racism that continues to exclude and harm communities of color;
- We actively interrogate schools’ curriculum, industries’ hiring practices, and other institutional practices that limit who has access to Boston’s innovation economy.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As the Robotics Lab Manager at the Future of Work Lab, you will lead hands-on learning experiences that prepare young adults for careers in robotics and automation.
Over the course of a semester, you will prepare a cohort of young adults to earn an industry-recognized credential focused on the fundamentals of robotics, automation, programming, and robotic systems. The goal is for at least 90% of participants to successfully complete the course and earn the credential while building the technical skills, confidence, and professional competencies needed to pursue postsecondary education, apprenticeships, and careers in robotics, automation, engineering, and related technology fields.
As the Robotics Lab Manager, you will design, implement, and continuously improve a project-based curriculum that brings robotics concepts to life through hands-on learning. You will be responsible for developing and facilitating four industry-aligned projects, each designed to reinforce core concepts in robotics, automation, programming, sensors, controls, and systems thinking while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. These projects will engage participants in designing, building, programming, testing, and troubleshooting robotic systems to solve authentic challenges. One project will be self-directed, allowing participants to identify a problem or area of interest, develop and prototype a robotics-based solution, and showcase their technical skills while exploring careers in robotics and automation.
Create an Inspiring and Inclusive Learning Environment
Cultivate a learning environment where every young adult feels a sense of belonging and can envision themselves pursuing a high-wage career in the Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing industry. Through authentic industry experiences, rigorous technical learning, and meaningful relationships, inspire participants to see themselves as the next generation of leaders + innovators.
- Build strong, trusting relationships that promote confidence, persistence, and a growth mindset.
- Create an inclusive lab culture where all young adults are challenged, supported, and encouraged to take intellectual risks.
- Integrate career-connected learning experiences throughout the semester, including industry site visits, guest speakers, career conversations, and employer engagement.
- Design learning experiences that reflect the diversity of Boston’s workforce and expose participants to multiple career pathways.
- Partner with the Success & Belonging Team to identify and address barriers that may impact participant engagement, attendance, or success.
Deliver Rigorous, Project-Based Learning
Lead engaging, hands-on instruction that prepares young adults to learn the fundamentals of robotics and advanced manufacturing while developing the technical and professional skills needed for careers in the industry.
- Plan and facilitate high-quality instruction aligned to the Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing curriculum.
- Design and implement four industry-connected technical projects that reinforce concepts and authentic workplace skills, including one self-directed project driven by participant interests.
- Create opportunities for participants to apply concepts through real-world challenges, design thinking, and problem solving.
- Ensure every participant develops a professional digital portfolio showcasing technical projects, certifications, reflections, and career-ready artifacts.
- Provide ongoing coaching and feedback on technical competencies, teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.
- Monitor participant progress and implement targeted interventions to support success.
Collaborate to Deliver High-Quality Work-Based Learning
Work collaboratively with the Digital Ready team and partners to design and continuously improve learning experiences that reflect the Jobs for the Future (JFF) Indicators of High-Quality Work-Based Learning, ensuring participants develop the technical, professional, and durable skills required for success in Boston’s growing clean energy economy.
- Collaborate with Teaching & Learning staff to design and refine curriculum, projects, and assessments aligned to industry needs and the JFF Indicators of High-Quality Work-Based Learning.
- Participate in weekly instructional planning meetings to review participant progress, strengthen instructional practices, and coordinate supports.
- Partner with employer and community partners to integrate authentic workplace experiences into the curriculum.
- Prepare instructional materials, maintain an organized lab environment, and ensure equipment is ready for participant use.
- Track participant progress, certification attainment, project completion, and portfolio development using Digital Ready’s data systems.
- Use participant data to identify trends, inform instructional decisions, and develop targeted interventions that improve participant outcomes.
- Contribute to a collaborative team culture focused on continuous improvement and exceptional participant experiences.
Compensation
Stipend amount will be determined based on the candidate’s level of experience.
Apply through this link: https://form.typeform.com/to/lYSDdhd4
