JOIN ARUW

PASSIONATE about robotics?

Join the club.

Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed. Expect to hear back by October 11th. To stay informed about when apps open again, register for our mailing list below!

At ARUW, we’re looking for future team members who are passionate about robotics, engineering, and community. We strive towards fostering a safe, inclusive space for students to grow as engineers and individuals.

APPLY NOW

Applications are currently CLOSED.

We have two application cycles each year:

  • Fall (our primary cycle – all subteams recruit)

  • Winter (our secondary cycle – not all subteams recruit)

WINTER 2026 applications are currently closed.

If you’ve applied to ARUW before, your previous application will be considered alongside any new submissions. We encourage you to update your responses or dive deeper into your experiences if you're reapplying.

Our subteams

  • Mechanical

    Designs our robots with CAD, prototypes mechanisms, manufactures components, and assembles and wires the final robot.

  • Software

    Implements systems for our main robot controllers, auto-aiming & auto-navigation capability, and electrical subsystems.

  • Hardware

    Designs power and signal systems for all robots, including custom PCB designs and crafted wiring systems.

  • ADMIN

    Help keep our club running smoothly. Most of the tasks involve managing our business, sponsor outreach, and PR needs.

Learn more about our subteams

  • At ARUW, we’re committed to creating a supportive, engaging environment where every member can grow, contribute meaningfully, and enjoy the experience. Because of limited resources and our focus on maintaining that quality, we use an application process to help us build a balanced and effective team.

  • Our process has two stages: first, a holistic (general) application, followed by an interview with team members if you’re selected to move forward. We evaluate each potential member independently, and thoroughly.

    For applicants to the Mechanical or Software subteams, there’s also a short technical application that you’ll complete before the interview. If you're invited to the second stage, we’ll provide all the details you need!

  • We review applications holistically—we want to know all about you, not just your technical skills or robotics experience.

    Our application is focused on getting to know who you are, so be genuine and authentic in your responses. Tell us things we wouldn't know just from looking at your resume—we want to hear about what drives you, what excites you, and why you're passionate about joining ARUW. We read everything you write and share with us, and encourage you to tell us all about yourself!

    Tell us why you’d be a great fit for the ARUW community, and what makes you excited to be part of it.

  • Members are expected to commit around 9 hours per week during scheduled subteam meetings.

    That said, we know life gets busy—open communication is what matters most. If something comes up, we expect you to keep your team in the loop.

  • No prior robotics experience is required to join ARUW!

    If you're applying to the Software subteam, we do expect some familiarity with an object-oriented programming language (like Java, Python, or C++).

    Even if you’re unsure about your experience—we still encourage you to apply. We value passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

  • Yes—you can apply to multiple subteams, but you’ll need to submit a separate application for each. You’re welcome to reuse the same responses or tailor them to each subteam.

    Keep in mind that applying to multiple subteams won’t increase your chances of being accepted. We review all your applications together and place you where we think you’ll thrive most.

    If you're offered a spot on ARUW, your offer will be for one subteam only.

  • The initial application takes about 15-20 minutes, featuring short-answer questions to help us get to know you. You can even complete it on your phone!

    If selected for an interview, Mechanical and Software applicants will also need to complete a technical application, which may take an hour or more.

    If this time commitment is an issue, please don’t hesitate to email us—we’re happy to accommodate.

  • No, ARUW does not charge a membership or application fee. The College of Engineering is in the process of implementing a fee for all students in an RSO as of September 2025.

  • We require applicants be 16 years of age and registered with the University of Washington Institution.

FAQs

If you have any additional questions regarding the application process or your application status, please email us at robomstr@uw.edu.

Please do not contact our team/members by any other method but email.

Want to apply later?

We run application cycles at the start of Fall and Winter quarters. If you’d like to be notified when applications open, sign up using the form below to join our interest list.

We will also have events during Dawg Daze where you can meet us and learn more about our team!

Note: This is not the application itself.
To apply to ARUW, please use the official application links above when they’re available.