Innovation Group Lead – Engineering & Applied Science Full-time NEW

Innovation Group Lead – Engineering & Applied Science

Belldegrun Center for Innovation and Leadership

Brentwood School, Los Angeles, CA

About the Belldegrun Center for Innovation and Leadership

The Belldegrun Center for Innovation and Leadership engages K-12 students with real-world challenges that culminate in a multi-year independent study program. Students develop their skills as creative, curious, and critical thinkers; collaborators and communicators; innovative problem solvers, and researchers. Independent Study opportunities in the BCIL focus on depth of understanding and span STEM, the arts, humanities, civics, policy, and entrepreneurship.

Position Overview

Brentwood School is expanding the scope of independent research opportunities associated with the BCIL. As such, the School is seeking an experienced Engineer Lead to join a newly formed innovation group. 

The Engineering & Applied Science Innovation Group Lead will mentor exceptional high school students working on independent study projects at the forefront of the most transformative fields within the discipline. This role requires a professional researcher who can mentor cutting-edge projects in engineering and applied science.

In addition to on-campus research facilities, the Group Lead will also work to place students with leading researchers and companies shaping these technologies. The role also includes teaching electives within this subject area, with the goal, in addition to quality instruction, of broadening student participation in independent research projects. The role also supervises all staff in the instructional and competition robotics program. 

As the program’s internal aspects grow and succeed, the BCIL also has externally focused goals, including creating and supporting a network of public school teachers to teach engineering & applied science topics, and defining and supporting community-wide research projects. 

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead the engineering & applied science vertical within the Innovation Group’s advanced independent study program
• Manage the engineering & applied science team of professionals
• Mentor students in multiple engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, biomedical, etc.)
• Supervise resources that foster student participation in national and international competitions
• Develop students’ technical capabilities in CAD, simulation, prototyping, testing, and iterative design and fabrication
• Foster systems thinking, design optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Guide students in professional engineering practices, including documentation, specifications, and presentations

Project Development & Supervision

• Serve as Principal Investigator for student-led engineering projects ranging from robotics to sustainable design
• Design project experiences that mirror professional engineering workflows and standards
• Provide technical guidance on materials selection, fabrication methods, circuit design, programming, and systems integration
• Supervise safety protocols for machining, electronics, testing, and other engineering activities
• Support students in patent applications, engineering competitions, or publication in technical venues

Professional Network & Placement

• Connect students with engineering firms, aerospace companies, manufacturing facilities, and research laboratories in the Los Angeles area
• Facilitate internships and research placements at organizations such as NASA JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, tech startups, or university engineering labs
• Arrange site visits, shadowing experiences, and collaborative projects with practicing engineers
• Build partnerships with professional organizations (IEEE, ASME, SAE, etc.) for student engagement

Curriculum & Program Innovation

• Supervision of all staff in the instructional and competition robotics program. 
• Integrate emerging technologies (additive manufacturing, IoT, renewable energy, autonomous systems) into student projects
• Create opportunities for cross-vertical collaboration (engineering + biotech, engineering + AI, engineering + creative arts)
• Develop maker space capabilities and ensure access to appropriate tools and technologies
• Contribute to BCIL programming through speaker series, design challenges, and innovation showcases

Qualifications

Required

• Advanced degree in engineering or related field
• Minimum 5-10 years of professional engineering experience with demonstrated technical accomplishments
• Track record of successful project leadership from concept through production or implementation
• Proficiency with industry-standard design, simulation, and prototyping tools
• Experience with fabrication technologies (3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, electronics assembly, etc.)
• Strong network within the Los Angeles engineering and technology communities
• Ability to supervise student work across multiple engineering sub-disciplines

Preferred

• Experience with startup engineering, product development, or R&D environments
• Patent portfolio or published technical work
• Previous teaching, mentoring, or supervision of student engineers
• Connections with Southern California aerospace, automotive, entertainment technology, or clean energy sectors
• Expertise in emerging fields such as robotics, sustainable design, or human-centered engineering

To Apply

Submit a letter of interest describing your engineering background, notable projects or innovations, vision for student mentorship in engineering design, and connections within the Los Angeles engineering community, along with a CV and portfolio of representative work to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]. The compensation range is $130k to $170k based on experience. Brentwood School offers half-tuition remission for all children of employees attending the school. 

Tagged as: Engineering