Engineering Machinist/Laboratory Technician

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Colorado Mesa University is hiring an Engineering Machinist/Laboratory Technician to manage and oversee students’ use of the Engineering Program’s machine shop and laboratories. Reporting to the Department Head of Computer Science and Engineering, the position maintains safe, well-equipped facilities supporting engineering coursework, student competition teams, faculty research, and extracurricular activities, including first-year, junior-level, and senior capstone design projects. This is a 0.8 FTE, 10-month position, with time off during the summer when instructional labs are not in session. Salary is paid evenly over 12 months. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., between August 1 and May 31. The role combines safety and training, hands-on shop and equipment operations, inventory and resource management, and supervision of student assistants. The university offers a health and retirement benefits package.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and four years of relevant technical experience.
Working knowledge of manual and CNC metalworking machines, woodworking machines, hand tools, welding equipment, 3D printers, and CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks or similar.
Familiarity with CNC setup, programming, and operation.
Familiarity with safe operation and maintenance of general metalworking and woodworking equipment.
Ability to use computer technology and Microsoft Office to perform job duties.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students and faculty.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and faculty, orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain and grow technical expertise and equipment proficiency.
Demonstrated ability to follow through independently on long-term projects and initiative to identify improvement opportunities, find solutions, and implement change.
Willingness to work patiently and safely with students from diverse technical backgrounds and mentor them through hands-on fabrication and design challenges.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including identifying root causes and developing sustainable solutions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general written materials, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations; write reports; and prepare and deliver verbal and visual presentations.
Strategic and analytical reasoning skills, practical problem-solving ability in situations with limited standardization, and ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 40–50 pounds, stand and move throughout shop and laboratory spaces for extended periods, and perform precision machine work requiring manual dexterity.
Ability to use task-appropriate PPE, including safety glasses or face shields, hearing protection, gloves, and closed-toe or steel-toe footwear.
Ability to work around moving machinery, noise, and fumes, dust, or particulates from machining, welding, cutting, and 3D printing, and to handle hazardous materials such as welding gases, cutting fluids, resins, and solvents using proper safety procedures.
Must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility and complete the university’s background investigation if a final applicant.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an educational environment.
Experience with purchasing procedures.
Experience supervising employees.
Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and demonstrated commitment to improving access and success for underrepresented students in higher education.
Knowledge of SolidWorks or other CAD/CAM software.

Responsibilities

Ensure safety compliance for faculty, staff, and students working in Confluence Hall.
Maintain and grow technical expertise and proficiency with equipment; follow through independently on long-term projects and identify and implement improvements in the shop and laboratories.
Work with the university’s Facilities Department to troubleshoot and maintain building infrastructure.
Write, review, assess, and apply safety plans for shop and laboratory environments.
Develop and deliver shop safety procedures and training for students with varied technical backgrounds, and supervise safe shop use.
Manage hazardous waste and work with campus risk management on hazardous-material regulations, safe work practices, and reporting requirements.
Monitor and restock first aid kits in Confluence Hall.
Review student designs for manufacturability, advise on improvements, and help select appropriate fabrication processes.
Use CAD/CAM software, such as SolidWorks, to support fabrication projects.
Set up and operate manual and CNC metalworking machines, woodworking machines, hand tools, and welding equipment, including TIG, MIG, oxy-acetylene, and plasma equipment.
Troubleshoot, maintain, and perform routine repairs on engineering laboratory equipment, including universal testing machines, wind tunnels, and 3D printers.
Manage department 3D-printing operations, including maintenance and calibration, consumables inventory, print-file submissions, and tracking print jobs and queues.
Guide students in proper machine and tool protocols and assist with fabrication for course projects and student competition teams.
Manage the tool crib and equipment inventory, and develop and maintain student tool checkout procedures and records.
Procure parts and supplies within the department-approved budget, track costs, and spend prudently; purchases require Department Head approval.
Monitor equipment-use policies and conduct routine inspections.
Hire, train, and supervise student employees who assist with shop operations.
Track student employee hours against the student-assistant budget to maintain adequate funding across fall and spring semesters.
Perform other duties as assigned.