Machining Trades III - Chemical & Biological Engineering Department

JOB

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."

Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.
MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
• State pension plan (PERA)
• Parental Leave
• Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Professional growth and training opportunities
• Access to technology and equipment
• Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Access to a world-class recreation center
• Interaction with an international population and cultural events

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Build the Future of Engineering Research

Are you an experienced machinist who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, designing custom solutions, and mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers?

The Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines is seeking a Machining Trades III professional to lead machine shop operations, support cutting-edge research, fabricate specialized equipment, and help create a safe and productive environment for faculty, staff, and students. Reporting to the department's laboratory leadership team, this position plays a vital role in enabling world-class teaching, research, and innovation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled trades professional who wants more than a traditional machine shop role. Here, you'll collaborate with faculty researchers, graduate students, and engineering teams to bring new ideas from concept to reality while helping students develop critical hands-on skills.

What You'll Do

Machine Shop & Laboratory Operations

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and coordinate repairs for machine shop and research laboratory equipment.
• Provide technical expertise in the design, fabrication, and use of laboratory equipment and experimental systems.
• Coordinate facility modifications and equipment installations with campus partners.
• Assist with laboratory improvement projects and infrastructure upgrades.
• Hire, train, mentor, and oversee student employees supporting shop and laboratory operations.

Custom Fabrication & Research Support

• Design and fabricate one-of-a-kind experimental apparatus and specialized research equipment.
• Support faculty, researchers, and students through equipment design, procurement, fabrication, testing, and implementation.
• Translate conceptual ideas into practical, safe, and effective engineering solutions.
• Recommend equipment purchases and infrastructure improvements that support teaching and research objectives.

Safety & Training Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve machine shop safety practices.
• Deliver and document equipment and tool training for students and researchers.
• Ensure compliance with machine shop, laboratory, environmental, and fire safety requirements.
• Promote a strong culture of safety through education, accountability, and best practices.

What Makes This Role Unique?

• Work at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, engineering education, and research.
• Build custom equipment that directly supports groundbreaking research initiatives.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students as they develop practical engineering skills.
• Collaborate with faculty on innovative technical challenges that require creativity and problem-solving.
• Access opportunities for additional professional training and certifications relevant to the role.

Work Environment

This position is based on-campus in Golden, Colorado and works closely with faculty, staff, researchers, and students across the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering. The role reports to the department's laboratory leadership team and supports both teaching and research laboratories.

Why Colorado School of Mines?

Colorado School of Mines is a premier public R1 research university focused on engineering and applied science. Mines combines innovative research, hands-on learning, and a collaborative culture dedicated to solving global challenges. As part of our team, you'll play an important role in preparing future engineers while supporting impactful research initiatives.

Apply Today

If you're a skilled machinist, fabricator, or technical trades professional who enjoys problem-solving, collaborating with engineers, and helping others learn, we encourage you to apply.

Please note: This position reports to campus Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a rich and vibrant diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.