Jobs UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering is pioneering scientific breakthroughs, launching innovative technologies and educating creative engineers that will solve today's societal challenges by improving human health, enabling security and promoting sustainability.

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Facilitation:

• Collaborate with faculty instructors-of-record to collaboratively complete laboratory modules for Mechanical Engineering curricula (e.g., Polymer Processing, Sand Casting, Metrology).
• Administer comprehensive training for Teaching Assistants to enhance their technical competencies in supporting ME laboratory modules.
• Orchestrate material resource allocation for lab sessions, performing preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and implementing inventory control protocols for consumable materials.
• Systematize equipment scheduling (e.g., metallurgical casting facilities), in coordination with faculty and Idea Forge staff.
• Facilitate technical consultation meetings with Graduate Design program students to implement preliminary engineering protocols prior to entering Idea Forge shops.
• Provide project specific design consultations to students from across the college and campus.

BME Capstone Support:

• Implement differential teaching methodologies for BME Capstone participants, assessing student proficiency and using stratified pedagogical approaches calibrated to individual student needs.
• Scaffold BME Capstone student knowledge in various engineering areas, including: drawing reviews, manufacturing, electronics, and testing.
• Coordinate with BME Capstone instructional faculty and teaching assistants to align curricular objectives within Idea Forge resources.
• Work closely with Idea Forge staff to understand each shop’s standard operating procedures and transfer this knowledge to BME Capstone students to achieve compliance with established specifications.

Academic Support:

• Work closely with Idea Forge Assistant Director to establish strategic partnerships with other academic programs and collaborate with faculty to seamlessly integrate Idea Forge capabilities into their instructional framework. Serve as technical lead for optimizing alignment between curricular objectives and resource allocation priorities.
• Facilitate Idea Forge orientations for classes and individual students seeking to use Idea Forge resources.
• Provide direct consultative support to student entrepreneurs navigating the utilization of Idea Forge technological resources.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with other units, both within and external to the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
• Deliver exceptional technical support services to faculty, student populations, and professional staff while cultivating an environment characterized by proactive assistance, responsive communication, professional courtesy, operational adaptability, and collegial respect to enhance educational outcomes and increase learning effectiveness.

Facility Management:

• Administer BME-specific laboratory facilities and equipment assets within the Idea Forge, establishing standard operating procedures, safety compliance protocols, and equipment maintenance, while coordinating student training and operational oversight.
• Manage the Drop-in Design Laboratory, which facilitates lab sections of core ME courses; develop and implement standardized operational procedures, safety compliance measures, and facility maintenance programs.
• Collaborate with Engineering Connections leadership to coordinate resource allocation, equipment procurement, and operational oversight of the WillVill Makerspace facility within Engineering Connections.
• Direct operations for 8 graduate design studios on the Idea Forge 1B level, including resource and equipment allocation, and ensuring project teams have access to necessary technological and infrastructure resources.
• Administer 6 adaptable design studios on the Idea Forge 1B level, including equipment provisioning, space allocation management, and utilization tracking.
• Conduct needs assessments, evaluate enhancement opportunities, and implement strategic improvements to equipment inventory, software resources, and service offerings for student, faculty, and staff.
• Direct operations for the Idea Forge Wind Tunnel, coordinating reservation systems, developing standardized utilization protocols, and managing preventative equipment maintenance to ensure optimal functionality.

Instruction:

• Serve as instructor of record for the competition sections of ME Design Project I and ME Design Project II, MCEN 4045 and 4085.
• Instruction will include problem definition, determining design requirements, alternative design concepts, engineering analysis, engineering drawings, fabrication, testing, and professional skill development. As instructor of record, this position will oversee the faculty advisors for the competition teams and instruct teams with just-in-time teaching as they progress through the design process beginning with project definition/clarification and ideation, moving to design reviews demonstrating alignment with required specifications, proceeding through several rounds of analysis and prototyping, and ending with competition ready prototypes.
• Recruit, train, and manage TAs for courses.  Position will supervise 1-2 student Teaching Assistants per academic year.
• Collaborate with faculty and industry partners to enhance educational experiences, integrating real-world applications into student learning.

Other:

• Drive innovation and process improvements, applying emerging technologies and methodologies.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, promoting good working relationships within a team environment.
• Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Stays apprised and current on relevant University and State of Colorado policies and procedures.
• Participates in professional development activities and serves on unit, college or campus committees as applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
• Three years of professional experience as practicing engineer.
• Three years of instruction experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• Strong understanding of the engineering design process and its practical application in fabrication.

• Understanding of capabilities and applications of mechanical testing equipment.
• A strong understanding of mechanical systems and mechanical drawings for fabrication.
• Desire to work with students to help them obtain basic professional and technical skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Complex problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Ability and willingness to use knowledge and resources currently existing in CEAS and the university to enhance the use of spaces and resources for users.

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
• Five years of professional experience as practicing engineer.
• Five years of teaching experience.
• Experience with teaching in a higher education environment.
• Experience interacting with faculty and college students.
• Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political, and geographical differences, with ability to work well with faculty, staff, and students from around the world.