Adjunct Faculty Capstone Design I - Spring 27

Colorado School of Mines; Colorado; On-site; USD 6,000 - 6,500; Part time

Job summary

The Colorado School of Mines invites applications for a part-time Project Advisor in the Capstone Design Program (Senior Design). This adjunct faculty role provides project oversight to student teams tackling real-world engineering challenges, with emphasis on independence, professionalism, and delivering design prototypes to clients.

Responsibilities include overseeing 2–4 teams, attending lectures, guiding recitations, grading deliverables, and coordinating with the capstone leadership team.

Qualifications

• Hold an undergraduate degree in a scientific, engineering, or engineering-related discipline.
• Professional engineering experience (5+ years) or a graduate degree with 3+ years of experience.
• Ability to oversee 2-4 student teams and provide guidance through design processes.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing 2-4 student teams in a project advisory role.
• Attend lectures and participate in recitation follow-up activities.
• Grade student deliverables using rubrics and provide timely feedback.
• Coordinate with capstone leadership during kickoff and end-of-semester meetings.
• Help teams manage scope and maintain alignment with design objectives and client communications.

Skills

Engineering oversight

Team mentoring

Lecture coordination

Effective communication

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering or related discipline

Graduate degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Engineering a world of possibilities

The Capstone Design Program at the Colorado School of Mines invites applications for a part‑time position as a Project Advisor in the Capstone Design Program (Senior Design). This adjunct faculty position provides project oversight to student teams in a real‑world application of technical problems.

Capstone (Senior Design)

Key distinguishing feature: Maintain high expectations for student independence, professionalism, and delivery of quality design/prototype materials to the client (sponsor of the student projects).

Capstone Design Description: The capstone design program is a two‑semester, multidisciplinary design experience emerging from combined efforts in civil, construction, design, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineering degree programs. This program was established to demonstrate the value and ingenuity of multidisciplinary teams, as mirrored in industry. For more information on the Capstone Design program please see the course website: https://capstone.mines.edu/

Primary Responsibilities

• Overseeing 2-4 student teams in a project advisory role and providing guidance as teams move through the design process.
• Two teams is a half-load responsibility.
• Attending all lectures, delivered by the course instructors and important to recitation follow-up activities.
• Supporting structured small group activities in recitations that stem from the lectures.
• Attending weekly meetings with your teams, responding to emails, and grading all student/team deliverables in a timely fashion (rubrics are provided to assist with grading).
• Attending all regular Project Advisor meetings including kickoff and end-of-semester meetings with the capstone leadership team, who serve as the lead instructors of the program.
• Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 10:45 am, and Project Advisors are expected to be available during these times.
• Lectures from 8:00-9:00 am are delivered by our full‑time course faculty, and the remaining time [9:00-10:45am] is used for you (as the Project Advisor) to meet with, evaluate, and assist student teams.
• You will guide student teams in how to manage and execute a successful project – allowing them to explore design options, as well as build and test their solutions.
• Responsibilities also include steering teams back on track if they lose sight of the design objectives and helping them understand and execute professional communications with their client.
• On occasion, teams need help managing scope creep initiated by the client.
• When there is no lecture scheduled, this is an opportunity for you to engage with your teams in the 8-9:00 am hour based on team needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Hold an undergraduate degree in a scientific, engineering, or engineering-related discipline. Have professional experience in engineering or related field (5+ years), or a graduate-level degree in engineering or related technical field, with some level of professional experience (3+ years).

Preferred Qualifications

Undergrad degree in Civil, Construction, Electrical, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with an active PE license and/or with demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level may be given preference for some Capstone project assignments. Teaching experience in open‑ended problem solving, technical design, and/or guiding effective teamwork. Preferred teaching proficiencies include: Technical communication. User‑engaged design: helping students identify and engage with stakeholders and users throughout the problem‑solving process.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $6000-$6500 for one semester based on experience

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines. Colorado School of Mines is a top‑ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society.

Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2026). Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size. That size – roughly 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close‑knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, cultural awareness and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally‑renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few. And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high‑altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission‑driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience? Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.

Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses. Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce. Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting We are pleased that you have interest in exploring career opportunities at Mines. Founded in 1874, Mines has an international reputation for excellence in engineering and applied sciences. We are committed to serving the people of Colorado, our nation and the global community in the development and stewardship of the Earth’s resources.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation Requests

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at [e-mail] or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

WHY CHOOSE MINES?

Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver. The campus location offers a small‑town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience. Come explore the possibilities!