Interim Physics Machine Shop Manager and Move Coordinator

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a part-time Interim Physics Machine Shop Manager and Move Coordinator in Fort Collins, CO. This role supports educational and research goals, overseeing the machine shop's operation, move coordination, and training of students in machine tools safety. The ideal candidate will bring significant machining experience and the ability to instruct others.

Benefits

Robust benefits package

Collaborative atmosphere

Focus on work-life balance

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in a relevant working environment.
• 2000+ hours of machining experience required.
• Ability to instruct others in machine operation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate moving the machine shop from Glover to Engineering.
• Supervise machine shop users for safety and effective operation.
• Maintain safety standards and shop organization.

Skills

Machining

Supervision

Training

Education

High school diploma

Vocational/technical training

Tools

CNC milling machines

Lathes

CAD / CAM software

Welding equipment

Job description

Interim Physics Machine Shop Manager and Move Coordinator

Working Title Interim Physics Machine Shop Manager and Move Coordinator

Position Location

Position Location Fort Collins, CO

Work Location

Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional Position

Research Professional Position No

Posting Number

Posting Number 202500689AP

Position Type

Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Classification Title Technical/Support II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

Work Hours/Week 20

Proposed Annual Salary Range

Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000 - $52,000 (based on 1.0 FTE); Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 06/01/2025

Description of Work Unit

The Department of Physics at Colorado State University operates research programs in theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics; atomic, molecular, and optical physics; and high-energy physics and particle astrophysics. Comprised of 20 regular full-time faculty members, 5 post-doctoral researchers, 65 graduate students and 60 undergraduate students, the department is a dynamic and exciting place to work. Information about the Department of Physics, Fort Colins and the surrounding area may be found at http://www.physics.colostate.edu . Colorado State University has an enrollment of about 34,000 students and the Physics Department teaches approximately 4,000 students per year. Fort Collins is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. It is an attractive community of about 170,000 inhabitants on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, 65 miles north of Denver.

Position Summary

The Physics Department at Colorado State University is seeking to hire a part-time Interim Machine Shop Manager and Move Coordinator. The physics department machine shop supports the educational and research goals of the department through involvement in fabrication of custom scientific instrumentation, education and training of students in the safe operation of machine tools, and support of educational and other laboratory and research facilities. This machine shop houses both conventional and CNC lathes and milling machines, as well as other equipment such as drill presses, sheet metal working facilities, a welding facility, and a small wood shop. The shop manager is responsible for maintaining and operating this facility. The shop manager and move coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the move of this facility from its existing location in the Glover Building to a new space in the Engineering building, and for maintaining and operating this facility before and after the move. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Planning and coordination of the move from Glover to Engineering.
• Supervision of students and researchers to ensure safe and effective operation of the shop equipment.
• Provide training on the safe and effective operation of selected machine tools.
• Maintaining equipment and ensuring the safe operating condition of the shop equipment.
• Mid-scale fabrication and component fabrication and/or quality control of parts based on the designs and specifications of students and researchers.

Please note this position is 20 hours per week (50% FTE ) for a 1-year appointment. The appointment may be renewed depending on funding and performance.

Required Job Qualifications

• High school diploma and at least three years’ experience in a relevant working environment is required.
• At least 2000 hours of machining experience is required.
• The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ability to operate and manage a machine shop and have had previous experience instructing others in the safe operation of machine tools and equipment.
• Prior familiarity and skill with machine shop equipment such as lathes and mills is required.
• An aptitude and desire to work with undergraduate and graduate students in a training and oversight capacity is essential.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Degree or certificate from a two or four-year vocational/technical training program is strongly preferred.
• Experience with programming, setup and running of CNC milling machines and lathes is highly desirable, as well as familiarity with CAD / CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion, SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Certification in welding is highly desirable, as is familiarity with 3d printing.
• Shop supervisory experience is desired, as well as strong organizational and communication skills.
• The machine shop is used to build equipment for physics research projects and lecture demonstrations. Some educational background or interest in physics is therefore an asset.

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Coordination of the machine shop move

Duty/Responsibility

• Coordination of the move of the Physics Machine Shop from the Glover Building to the Engineering Building.
• The move details will be overseen by shop committee and supervisor.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 60

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Supervision of Machine Shop users

Duty/Responsibility

• Basic instruction and supervision of Department of Physics Machine Shop users.
• Provide basic instruction to graduate and undergraduate students and other staff on the use of selected machine tools, with a particular emphasis on safety.
• Supervise shop users while they are using equipment in the facility with a particular emphasis on safety.
• Oversight, safety, and training plans will be overseen by the shop committee and supervisor.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 15

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Management of machine shop

Duty/Responsibility

• Keep machine shop organized and ready for use.
• Maintain machine shop financial records including invoicing and billing for shop services.
• Purchase new supplies necessary for shop operation through university procurement channels.
• All supply purchases will be overseen by shop committee and supervisor.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 10

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Production and quality control of machined parts

Duty/Responsibility

• Machine equipment needed for research and educational efforts based on designs developed by faculty and students.
• Modify commercial equipment in support of the same efforts.
• Quality control supervision of machine parts for faculty and staff directed projects, as directed by faculty and staff.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 10

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Other duties as assigned

Duty/Responsibility

• Other duties as assigned by the department chair commensurate with the overall move coordination, machining, and education aspects of this position.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 5

Special Instructions to Applicants

Complete applications must include a cover letter which clearly addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of this position, and a current resume. For full consideration, all materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on June 1, 2025. References will be collected at a later date. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials

Search Contact

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Supplemental Questions

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