FRC Robotics

Overview

As Head Mechanical Captain of my high school's FIRST Robotics Competition team, I led a 20-member mechanical subteam through the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of a 120-lb competition robot. My work focused on mechanical subsystem design in Onshape, manufacturing, subsystem integration, and rapid troubleshooting during competition.

Leadership & Role

• Led a 20-member mechanical subteam through design reviews, fabrication, assembly, and testing during a six-week build cycle.
• Coordinated subsystem integration with team leadership and other technical subteams.
• Assigned fabrication and assembly work, helped manage BOMs and build schedules, and trained newer members in CAD and manufacturing.
• Served as pit boss during competitions, directing between-match troubleshooting and mechanical repairs.

Mechanical Design

I used Onshape to help design and integrate major robot mechanisms, including drivetrain and shooter assemblies. Designs had to fit within strict weight and packaging constraints while remaining serviceable during competition. Components were designed with modularity in mind so damaged parts could be replaced quickly in the pits.

Fabrication

I helped fabricate and assemble components using sheet-metal cutting and bending, drilling on a vertical mill, tapping, riveting, bandsaw cutting, miter saw cutting, laser cutting, and FDM 3D printing. Materials included aluminum tube stock, sheet metal, HDPE, and printed plastics.

Competition & Pit Work

During competitions, I served as pit boss and helped coordinate mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs between matches. The goal was to identify failures quickly, assign repair tasks, and return the robot to match-ready condition within the limited turnaround time between rounds.