An era when craftsmanship, mechanical arts, and grit were the foundation…

Located within eyesight of our robotics lab, the Iron Cross landmark in Waynesboro, Virginia, is a powerful inspiration, reminding us of an era when craftsmanship, mechanical arts, and grit were the foundation of America's railroad systems. This historic landmark represents the intersection of two important railroad lines that once transformed the region's economic landscape.

Today Waynesboro has a significant manufacturing presence with both established facilities and new developments. Waynesboro's manufacturing prowess dates to the 1800s when companies flocked to the area to take advantage of the water and transportation access. Today it continues to be a manufacturing hub.

Historical Context

About

Founded in 2025 and based in Waynesboro, Virginia, Iron Cross Robotics is a non-profit organization currently seeking 501(c)(3) status. We are actively developing our comprehensive curriculum, establishing our laboratory space within the historic Virginia Metalcraft Building, and securing funding to make the program accessible to students.

Our gap year program mentors the next generation of makers through an team-oriented cohort model, accepting up to 12 students for each immersive 10-month experience on a rolling basis.

Founder

Randy Caldejon, founder of Iron Cross Robotics, is an engineer, entrepreneur, and veteran whose unconventional journey to finding his vocational calling was guided by his childhood motto: "if it ain't broken, fix it anyway!" Growing up, he constantly tinkered with mechanical things—rebuilding bicycles, repairing small and car engines—eventually discovering his passion for developing software.

After working in food service and construction and serving in the Marine Corps, he attended community college before earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Years later, he obtained a Master of Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Randy is currently completing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. Influenced by Dr. Mark Garcia's work, Randy's final project examines the theology of mechanical arts, research that directly inspired the creation of Iron Cross Robotics.

Mission

Iron Cross Robotics offers recent high school graduates of all backgrounds a transformative gap year experience. We are mentoring the next generation of makers by combining hands-on education in the mechanical arts with ethos of classical Anglican formation. Through experiential learning, disciplined practice, and thoughtful reflection, we mentor young adults with essential life skills, vocational clarity, and curiosity for lifelong learning. Our approach grounds their development in a biblical understanding of vocation as God’s image-bearers equipped to cultivate, create, and serve.

Location

Virginia Metalcrafter Building
Waynesboro, VA 22980

Contact

info@ironcrossrobotics.org
434.235.1838