MSU Denver

Lab Assistant - Mechanical Engineering Technology

Denver, Colorado Full time

Department

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

Such duties will include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • 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-years 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

Instructions to Apply

Please apply through MSU Denver Careers to submit your cover letter and resume. Select Begin Your Job Search, then search for JR105214. Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Applications that do not contain all required documents may not receive full consideration. Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Please apply by Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:59pm for full consideration.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Elizabeth Wellington

Posting Representative Email

ewelling@msudenver.edu

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

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

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.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.