Job Details

Mechanical Engineer

Position Number: 7193942
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Engineering - Mechanical

Mechanical Engineer

Requisition Number: 72311
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Part Time
Posting Close Date: 18-Jun-2026
Date Posted:

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.

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

Research & Experimental Testing Support (Approximately 40%)

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

What You Should Know

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

What You Will Need

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

Special Instructions

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.

For full consideration, please apply by June 18, 2026.

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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Mechanical-Engineer/72311