Control System Advisor

Volunteer as a Control System Advisor

The CSA collaborates with the FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA) and Robot Inspectors to assist teams experiencing robot control system issues. This role requires strong technical skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and excellent interpersonal communication to effectively guide teams through problem-solving steps in the pit or on the field. 

Minimum Age: 18 years old (must be post-high school or equivalent)

• Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner

Experience: Either FIRST or Related Field Experience required

• Advanced technical experience required; prior team involvement (alumni or mentors) preferred
  • Recent hands-on experience with the control systems is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of the competition game and robot rules required
• Possess networking knowledge (especially Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct in FIRST Tech Challenge)

Training: Advanced pre-event training required

• Completion of program-specific training is mandatory

Role Details:

• Provide in-depth troubleshooting and resolution support for robot control system issues
• Assist teams with hardware and software issues related to roboRIO (FIRST Robotics Competition), Android-based systems (FIRST Tech Challenge), sensors, wiring, networking, and field connectivity
• Collaborate with FTA and Robot Inspectors to respond to team needs
• Ensure teams return to the field quickly and safely after resolving technical problems
• Maintain a professional demeanor, avoid favoritism during matches, and follow event communication protocols
• Volunteers should focus on the role they are filling at that event. This includes:
  • Helping avoid the appearance of bias by not cheering for one specific team when wearing official event apparel (volunteer shirt or FIRST/Partner staff clothing). Instead, we encourage volunteers to cheer for all teams equally.  
  • Refrain from accessing sensitive event areas unless they are necessary to fulfill your volunteer role for this event. This can include playing field access, scoring table and judging rooms.
  • Wearing volunteer specific apparel (e.g. FTA shirt, Robot Inspector hat, etc) when filling that specific role.  
• Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook

Reports to: FIRST Technical Advisor (FTA)

Want to prepare to be a Control System Advisor? Robot Inspector is a great introductory role to start volunteering around the field.

Currently a Control System Advisor and looking for a challenge? Scorekeeper or FIRST Technical Advisor Assistant (FTAA) might be a great role for you!