STEM Research Mentor - Mechanical Engineering

Future Forward Labs is a STEM research mentorship institute that supports high school students in conducting professional-grade scientific research. The organization bridges the gap between school curriculum and real-world STEM practice by pairing students with mentors who hold completed PhDs in their fields. Scholars develop original research projects suitable for top-tier competitions such as ISEF, Regeneron STS, and Thermo Fisher JIC, as well as peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. The institute focuses exclusively on STEM disciplines, including AI, medicine, engineering, and the physical and life sciences. Future Forward Labs is headquartered in Seattle and collaborates with mentors located across the United States.

Role

Mentor assigned students (grades 7–12) in 1-1 video sessions, typically 45–60 minutes each, across a 4–9 month project arc. Help each student scope a research question in mechanical engineering that is original, answerable at their level, and feasible with a home workshop, a school makerspace, or free simulation: structures and materials testing, 3D-printed and composite designs, mechanisms and compliant structures, heat transfer and thermal management, fluid flow, vibration and energy harvesting, biomechanics and assistive devices, or sustainable and low-cost manufacturing. Teach the engineering research process end to end: literature search and reading primary papers, defining a measurable hypothesis, design of experiments with proper controls and repeated trials, data collection and statistics, and documenting a build so someone else could reproduce it. Coach students on scientific and technical writing, prepare them for presenting, live judging and defending their research in competitions.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering or a closely related field (materials science, manufacturing engineering, biomechanics, applied mechanics). ABD candidates in their final year are welcome to apply.
• Peer-reviewed publications in mechanical engineering or an adjacent area.
• Hands-on experience designing, fabricating, and testing physical hardware, not only simulation: CAD, 3D printing or machining, instrumentation, and bench testing.
• Working fluency in at least one CAD package and at least one of Python, MATLAB, or R for data analysis; familiarity with FEA or CFD tools.
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or tutoring students, ideally high schoolers or early undergraduates.
• Reliable availability for weekday evening or weekend sessions in U.S. time zones. All sessions are remote.
• Legally authorized to work as an independent contractor in the U.S. - must be US citizen of Green Card holder.

Engagement Details

• Independent contractor (1099), part-time role
• Fully remote; mentor must be based in USA

If you are interested, apply on Linkedin and send us a short note and CV at View email address on click.appcast.io