Instructional Lab Engineer - CAD & Prototyping

University of Colorado Boulder•Boulder, CO

44d•$66,000 - $83,200•Hybrid

About The Position

The Instructional Lab Engineer - CAD & Prototyping serves the Integrated Teaching and Learning (ITL) Program and Laboratory in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS). This position provides functional, operational, and instructional support to engineering students, staff, and faculty across all levels and disciplines. The Instructional Lab Engineer offers expert guidance in computer-aided design (CAD), design for manufacturing (DFM), 3D scanning, and a broad range of prototyping technologies and resources. They support the development, maintenance, and continual improvement of laboratory capabilities, ensuring that tools, workflows, and instructional practices reflect current technologies and are informed by evidence-based engineering education practices. The Instructional Lab Engineer also mentors the ITL Program's team of 25 student employees, equipping them to deliver high-impact, skill-building workshops, facility tours, and responsive project support that enable student success in project-based engineering courses. The position may be hired at either the Engineer or Senior Engineer level depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Duties and expectations outlined in this description represent a continuum of responsibility, with Senior Engineers expected to operate with greater autonomy, leadership, and strategic influence. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be produced within three (3) days of hire. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. The ITL Program and Laboratory is an educational unit within the College of Engineering and Applied Science that supports hands-on learning for over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students each academic year. Our staff provide personalized support to students and faculty and offer experiences for students to learn by doing. We partner with faculty to develop and implement hands-on curriculum, and we work with students in classroom, small-group, and individual settings. Engineering students will someday change the world, and we are here to help them do it! The ITL Program is committed to honoring unique backgrounds and experiences. Join our team and help us build a supportive and inclusive academic and engineering culture - apply today!

Requirements

Completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field of study.
One or more years of applicable experience in a hands-on engineering role or an educational environment.
Proficiency in CAD and prototyping tools, including SolidWorks, Onshape, or a comparable CAD platform, as well as common rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and 3D scanning.
Strong understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles and the ability to teach concepts such as material selection, tolerance analysis, and fabrication constraints.
Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver technical instruction, including hands-on workshops, student staff training programs, and one-on-one mentorship.
Experience mentoring or supervising technical teams, with a focus on developing pedagogical skills, promoting inclusive teaching practices, and supporting professional growth.
Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively with faculty to co-design curriculum and integrate hands-on prototyping into coursework.
Strong organizational and project management abilities to oversee multiple concurrent training programs, projects, and lab operations.
Problem-solving mindset and continuous improvement orientation, with a track record of anticipating student needs, optimizing resources, and implementing new tools or processes.
Sensitivity to cultural and geographic diversity and ability to work with diverse faculty, staff, and students.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of applicable experience in a hands-on engineering role or an educational environment.

Responsibilities

Leads the CAD, design for manufacturing (DFM), and prototyping ecosystem by designing and facilitating hands-on learning experiences using industry-standard design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape).
Develops and teaches skill-building workshop content, enabling students to progress from initial concepts to manufacturable designs.
Provides technical guidance to students and faculty, delivering both scheduled and on-demand mentorship. Collaborates with the ITLP team to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, software platforms, and fabrication processes to ensure resources remain aligned with the evolving needs and priorities of CEAS.
Collaborates with the ITLP Operations and Administration team to provide technical mentorship and pedagogical preparation to a team of 25 undergraduate engineering student employees, ensuring the students provide high-quality delivery of skill-building workshops and technical support for prototyping and electronics resources.
Cultivates a collaborative, service-oriented team culture by co-leading training sessions, coaching student staff, and implementing continuous improvements to enhance technical excellence and student experience.
Defines and directs student-employee-led technical engineering projects that expand and improve ITLP's instructional resources, lab capabilities, and curriculum support tools.
Partners with CEAS faculty and ITLP Engineering Manager to co-design, and develop, and maintain hands-on curriculum, instructional modules, and custom-built tools that integrate CAD, design for manufacturing (DFM), and prototyping practices into courses across multiple engineering disciplines.
Continuously improves and implements curricular experiences that support active, project-based learning and connect design theory to real-world application.
Evaluates and refines ITLP design and prototyping activities for their effectiveness in illustrating fundamental engineering concepts and manufacturing considerations in engaging and educationally impactful ways.
Anticipates student needs and course requirements, proactively manages inventory, and optimizes material and equipment availability to ensure seamless delivery of project-based engineering courses and workshops.
Develops and maintains clear documentation for lab equipment, maintenance procedures, and user guides, improving ease of use, student self-sufficiency, and safe operation of prototyping tools and resources
Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Supports college and campus-level pre-college outreach programming, providing technical expertise and hands-on instruction to engage prospective engineering students.
Serves as an engineering role model for visitors, making a positive impression and promoting interest in engineering and technology careers.
Participates in professional development activities and serves on unit, college, or campus committees as applicable.