What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer position at University of Colorado Boulder?
Summary
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Professional Research Assistant to support laboratory operations, experimental testing, and mechanical systems troubleshooting in a research environment using hydraulic systems, actuators, and shake table/centrifuge applications. This position is ideal for an experienced mechanical engineering professional who enjoys solving technical problems, working directly with equipment, and supporting applied research activities in academia. This is a laboratory-based, fully on-site role with no travel or overtime requirements. As an initial appointment, position offers 50% FTE (i.e., part-time), with the possibility of full-time conversion per funding and workload in the future.
The Professional Research Assistant will provide technical and operational support for experimental equipment and research infrastructure. The role involves diagnosing and repairing mechanical and hydraulic systems, supporting laboratory testing activities, configuring instrumentation and data acquisition systems, which facilitates undergraduate and graduate research and industry joint programs.
The position requires strong practical engineering skills, mechanical troubleshooting capability, and experience working with large-scale laboratory equipment and industrial machinery.
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.
Who We Are
The fields of civil, environmental and architectural engineering offer careers in planning, design, construction and management of the built environment as well as in the interaction between the built and natural environment. The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering's mission is the education of undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in the professional practice of engineering, contributing to technological advances that benefit humankind while enhancing the earth’s physical and biological resources.
The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering fosters an environment of inclusivity and celebrates the increasing diversity of our student body. We are committed to fostering inclusive excellence and have adopted priorities to guide our values and practices.
Responsibilities
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Technical Operations & Troubleshooting (about 60%)
A background check will be required in accordance with the Boulder Campus Background Check Policy.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $51,000 to $62,000 per year. Relocation assistance will not be available for this position.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be driven. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.
What We Require
To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Professional Research Assistant to support laboratory operations, experimental testing, and mechanical systems troubleshooting in a research environment using hydraulic systems, actuators, and shake table/centrifuge applications. This position is ideal for an experienced mechanical engineering professional who enjoys solving technical problems, working directly with equipment, and supporting applied research activities in academia. This is a laboratory-based, fully on-site role with no travel or overtime requirements. As an initial appointment, position offers 50% FTE (i.e., part-time), with the possibility of full-time conversion per funding and workload in the future.
The Professional Research Assistant will provide technical and operational support for experimental equipment and research infrastructure. The role involves diagnosing and repairing mechanical and hydraulic systems, supporting laboratory testing activities, configuring instrumentation and data acquisition systems, which facilitates undergraduate and graduate research and industry joint programs.
The position requires strong practical engineering skills, mechanical troubleshooting capability, and experience working with large-scale laboratory equipment and industrial machinery.
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.
Who We Are
The fields of civil, environmental and architectural engineering offer careers in planning, design, construction and management of the built environment as well as in the interaction between the built and natural environment. The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering's mission is the education of undergraduate and graduate students to become leaders in the professional practice of engineering, contributing to technological advances that benefit humankind while enhancing the earth’s physical and biological resources.
The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering fosters an environment of inclusivity and celebrates the increasing diversity of our student body. We are committed to fostering inclusive excellence and have adopted priorities to guide our values and practices.
Responsibilities
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Technical Operations & Troubleshooting (about 60%)
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain laboratory mechanical systems and equipment including but are not limited to
- Hydraulic systems
- Servo-hydraulic actuators
- Shake tables
- Centrifuge-based experimental systems
- Mechanical loading and testing equipment
- Identify root causes of equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions
- Perform preventive maintenance and equipment calibration activities
- Coordinate with laboratory staff and researchers to ensure safe and reliable operation of testing systems
- Assist academic and industrial research with test setup and execution
- Configure sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems
- Support specimen preparation, fixture setup, and test operation
- Maintain laboratory readiness and support safe testing procedures
- Contribute practical engineering insight during experimental planning and execution
A background check will be required in accordance with the Boulder Campus Background Check Policy.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $51,000 to $62,000 per year. Relocation assistance will not be available for this position.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be driven. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on technical experience in industry, research laboratories, or academic environments
- Demonstrated experience and technical knowledge with:
- Hydraulic systems
- Mechanical actuators
- Experimental testing equipment
- Heavy mechanical systems or laboratory infrastructure
- Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
- Experience working in laboratory, industrial, or field-testing environments
- Ability to independently solve mechanical and operational problems
- Hands-on and mechanically savvy
- Strong practical problem-solving abilities
- Organized, dependable, self-motivated and working independently
- Comfortable working around large-scale laboratory equipment
- Effective communicator with collaborative mindset
- Experience with shake table systems and/or centrifuge testing facilities
- Familiar with servo-hydraulic control systems
- Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems
- Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and experimental operations
- Experience in supporting applied research or university laboratory operations
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, researchers, and industry partners
To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:
- Cover Letter
- Resume/CV
- List of References (to be used for phone reference checks)
- (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Salary : $51,000 - $62,000