Lab Coordination Assistant, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Colorado School of Mines; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 69,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health plans

Dental care

13 paid holidays

Tuition benefits

On-site daycare

Job summary

Colorado School of Mines seeks a Lab Coordinator Assistant to support the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering in building operations, equipment installation, and safety compliance. The role includes supervising students, ensuring equipment readiness, and coordinating repairs with facilities.

Work involves fabricating simple components and assisting in safety planning and lab improvements. The position requires at least a high school diploma or GED, with relevant lab or

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year experience in lab, machine shop, fabrication, facilities maintenance, or related environment.

Responsibilities

• Support general laboratory improvements in collaboration with faculty and lab managers.
• Supervise and instruct students in safe operation of tools and equipment.
• Ensure equipment, materials, and supplies are available for labs and classes.
• Repair or coordinate repair of lab equipment when needed.
• Assist in building maintenance and safety compliance tasks.
• Assist in commissioning and installation of equipment and furniture as needed.

Skills

Shop equipment knowledge

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Electronic work-order systems

Equipment maintenance

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's, technical certificate, or bachelor's in related field

Tools

Forklift certification

Respirator use training

Job description

Engineering a world of possibilitiesColorado School of Mines is seeking a Lab Coordinator Assistant to support the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME). Reporting to the Lab Coordinator III, this role assists with building operations, equipment installation and maintenance, facility improvements, and other activities that support the department’s education and research mission.RESPONSIBILITIESLaboratory Support (40%)Support efforts for general laboratory improvements (those not managed by specific lab manager) through collaboration directly with faculty and lab managers.Provide supervision, oversight and instruction of students performing projects that require fabricationEnsure that the necessary equipment, materials, and supplies related to the general labs for functional and available to students and facultyEnforce all safety rules and environmental regulationsPurchase and when necessary, fabricate equipment, tools and supplies used in the general/shared research labs related to classes, student projects and research lab effortsEnsures all lab equipment is running efficiently and properly in the research labsIf needed, repair and/or coordinate the repair of research lab equipmentProvide technical support in the design, fabrication and use of various laboratory equipment and toolsCoordinate facility modifications and repairs with plant facilities and other departmentsIdentify, and discuss infrastructure problems and propose solutions if lab restructuring is neededAs needed, responsible for ensuring that malfunctioning equipment is repaired quickly and economicallyAssist in managing the Blastercard system for all new Hill Hall personnelAssist with physical cylinder management within Hill HallOther related tasks as assigned by Lab Coordinator IIIBuilding Management Support (40%)Assists in the submittal of Facilities work orders to get building maintenance performed and or safety issues correctedAssists Lab Coordinator III in Determining how best to repair malfunctioning equipment quickly and economically and ensures completion.Assists Lab Coordinator III to ensure that department laboratories and work spaces are compliant with Fire Safety regulations.Helps make recommendations to faculty concerning new equipment requirements as to support systems and infrastructure required for safe operationAssists Lab Coordinator III in upgrading safety plans. For example, as new equipment is added, ensures that procedures to operate the equipment are added to the safety plan.Technical Assistance (15%)Students with little or no experience will often overestimate their abilities with equipment. The technician must help make decisions on how to address unsafe or improper machine usageIf equipment fails, the technician must be able to diagnose and then troubleshoot and repair (or coordinate repair) of shop and laboratory equipment. Repairs must be timely and economical.Other Duties as Assigned (5%)Other duties as assigned to meet the objectives goals of the program and/or Mines.JOB DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONSPhysical Requirements: must be able to lift 50 lbsPotential Environmental Conditions/Hazards: Should be able to use a half mask respirator and pass a fit test.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSMinimum Level of Education and Experience:High school diploma or GED.One (1) year of experience supporting laboratory, machine shop, fabrication, facilities maintenance, manufacturing, technical operations, engineering, research, or related environments.An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.Certifications and Licenses:Must be able to obtain and maintain training required to safely operate laboratory and fabrication equipment.Must be able to wear a respirator and successfully pass a respirator fit test.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):Basic knowledge of shop equipment, hand tools, power tools, laboratory equipment, or mechanical systems.Ability to perform routine troubleshooting, maintenance, and minor repairs on equipment.Knowledge of workplace safety practices and ability to follow established safety procedures.Ability to read and follow technical manuals, operating procedures, and safety documentation.Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and facilities personnel.Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and respond to equipment and facility maintenance needs in a timely manner.Demonstrated customer service and problem-solving skills.Ability to supervise and instruct students in the safe operation of tools and equipment.Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office and electronic work-order systems.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in laboratory, machine shop, and research environments.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSDesired Level of Education and Experience:Associate's degree, technical certificate, or bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.Two (2) or more years of experience in a laboratory, research, fabrication, machine shop, manufacturing, facilities, or engineering support environment.Experience in an academic, research, higher education, or scientific laboratory setting.Certifications and Licenses:Forklift certification.First Aid/CPR certification.Machine shop, welding, fabrication, or industrial equipment certifications.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):Knowledge of laboratory safety programs, hazardous materials handling, and environmental compliance requirements.Experience coordinating equipment installation, maintenance, or repair activities.Experience purchasing laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, or technical materials.Ability to fabricate simple components and fixtures to support laboratory operations.Working knowledge of building systems and facility infrastructure.Electrical troubleshooting, controls, or industrial equipment maintenance experience.Familiarity with compressed gas cylinder management and laboratory access control systems.Experience supporting student design projects, instructional laboratories, or engineering research activities.TOTAL REWARDSSalary Rate: $69,085-$76,760 annuallyMines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.Benefits: Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:Flexible health and dental care optionsGenerous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for the entire campus.Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contributionTuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and lightrailAll Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have an on-campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.HOW TO APPLYPriority review of applications will begin on September 28th and continue until filled. Applications must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and upload the following (all required):Upload a resume or CVUpload a cover letterApplicants will notice there is only one upload box for all materials. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at [e-mail] with any application questions. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.About Mines & Golden, COWhen 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. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).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, 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 community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?Look to Mines.Additional Information and Reasonable Accommodation RequestsIt 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.Equal OpportunityColorado 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