Machining Trades III - Chemical & Biological Engineering Department

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

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

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

D6B3XX Machining Trades III

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, which included: 

• Machining and precision fabrication
• Welding and metalworking
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications
• Safe operation of machine shop equipment
• Research, laboratory, manufacturing, or prototype development environment

(EXPERIENCE MUST BE CLEARLY DOCUMENTED IN THE "WORK HISTORY" SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION. "See Resume" will not be accepted.  In addition, part-time work will be pro-rated.)

Or

Education and Experience:
A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to five (5) years (TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR EDUCATIONAL CREDIT)

Critical Success Attributes

The ideal candidate will be:

• Committed to safety in all aspects of work
• An effective communicator who can work with students, faculty, and staff
• Approachable and passionate about teaching others
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Resilient and adaptable when navigating competing priorities and technical challenges
• Focused on maintaining high standards of quality and craftsmanship 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Background check
• Pre-employment physical
• Pre-employment drug screen
• Motor Vehicle Record check

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: [email protected]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

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.