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Lab Assistant - Mechanical Engineering Technology

Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States


Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology
About MSU Denver
MSU Denver enrolls over 16,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first‑generation students.

About the Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology
The Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology at MSU Denver offers a selection of undergraduate degrees to fulfill curiosity and maximize career opportunities for students. Mechanical Engineering Technology majors explore inventive ways to improve existing technology while experimenting on new and improved ideas. Mechanical Engineering Technology students receive a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the discipline as well as considerable hands‑on laboratory work to prepare careers in any number of industries, from large aerospace companies to small manufacturing and custom‑design businesses.

Position Summary
A successful Lab Assistant will have working knowledge in both traditional and advanced manufacturing facilities. This position is responsible for supporting the diverse body of faculty and students of the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Program in the Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology (EAET). The primary responsibilities include laboratory support, instruction, maintenance, and repair of associated facilities and equipment in the MET program laboratories under the direction of the MET Program Director.

Duties/Responsibilities

Assist faculty and students with laboratory preparation including laboratory setup and demonstrations of traditional and advanced manufacturing techniques and machine operation, including composite material (i.e. carbon fiber, Kevlar, fiberglass) fabrication and repair

Maintain a safe and secure MET laboratory environment

Testing and repair of assigned MET laboratory equipment such as HAAS Milling, FANUC CNC controls and etc.

Maintain and update the software packages used in the MET lab such as LabView, NC programming and MasterCam

Maintain supply inventory of assigned MET laboratory equipment

Develop and implement a preventive maintenance schedule for assigned MET laboratory equipment

Order necessary parts, equipment, and supplies

3D printing techniques (SLA, FFF, DMLS)

Coordinate with the EAET Department Chair and Program Director to manage the MET laboratory budget and aid in decisions regarding existing laboratory equipment upgrades as the program budget allows

Provide lab support and instruction in MET1010 Manufacturing Processes, MET2200 Materials of Engineering, and other classes assigned by MET Program Director.

Other duties as assigned by MET Program Director and EAET Department Chair.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a closely related discipline OR relevant / equivalent experience in education or manufacturing.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum two‑year experience in manufacturing lab operations including manual and NC machines for metal fabrication, metal processing (heat treatment and cold working) and material testing.

Demonstrated working knowledge of software packages used in the lab.

Experience supporting faculty and student projects, lab development, etc.

Demonstrated working knowledge with advanced manufacturing techniques and machine operation.

Demonstrated competency in maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of the associated equipment.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to write technical specifications and procedures.

Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $41,626 - $51,500.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week

Exempt

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; occasionally to accommodate class schedules this position may work from 9am - 6pm.

Evenings and weekend work: N/A

Schedule: In person only

Visit our website for more information on our University's Alternative Work Arrangements policy.

Travel: Rarely; for outside trainings and workshops

Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long‑term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

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