Job Information
Colorado State University Fabrication Lab Assistant Coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado
Job Description
Position Summary:
Assist the Labs Coordinator at the Nancy Richardson Design Center (RDC) including maintaining lab equipment, overseeing student hourly lab techs, proctoring labs during class meetings, assisting and training lab users while using lab equipment, helping CSU faculty develop projects and coursework that will utilize our lab equipment, assisting the Labs Coordinator with fiscal duties which include tracking incoming funds, inventory, and ordering, and developing training, access, and equipment reservation processes for our lab users. This position may also include teaching duties, depending on the experience and credentials of the selected candidate. For more information about the Nancy Richardson Design Center, please visit www.design.colostate.edu. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application materials by April 30, 2026.
Essential Job Duties:
Maintain, test, repair, and troubleshoot tools, machinery, and fabrication platforms; develop maintenance schedules; and implement inventory and materials tracking systems.
Assist with lab budgeting, purchasing, income/expense tracking, reconciliations, inventory management, supplier sourcing, and entrepreneurial funding efforts.
Collaborate with faculty on curriculum integration and course prep; support student projects; assist with recruitment and facility tours; stay current with fabrication technologies; and help foster a campus-wide design thinking and maker culture.
Mentor and supervise student lab technicians and interns; develop and maintain safety and training manuals; and provide instruction to students and faculty in the safe, correct use of tools, equipment, materials, and digital fabrication processes.
Provide instruction in material- and tool-specific workflows, including CNC and CAD/CAM file preparation; contribute to for-credit digital design and fabrication courses (as qualified); and develop and teach non-credit workshops, tutorials, and professional education programs.
Conditions of Employment:
Pre-employment Background Check
This position works a non-traditional work week of Sunday-Thursday. Required hours on site are Sunday 10:30-7:30, M-R 10:30-7:30 (8 hours per day with one hour lunch break.) Candidate must be able to work these hours.
This is a 9 month position
Supervision:
- 1-6 student hourly employees; student interns
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Product Design, Architecture, Art or related field. Extensive, relevant professional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
Minimum Experience:
One year of related work experience in an academic or community fabrication lab/shop setting
Experience with general shop safety best practices for wood, metal, or digital tools
Ability to move equipment, materials, or tools weighing 40 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in related field
Teaching/training experience at a 4-year research institution
Experience with several of the following:
Wood working equipment: table saw, planer, jointer, band saw, drill press, hand drill, hand tools, sanding machines, lathe, and CNC router
Metal working equipment: band saw, drill press, shear, break, lathe, oxy fuel torch, plasma cutter, welding processes (including MIG, TIG, and stick), CNC mill, grinders, and cold saw
Fabric equipment: sewing machine, quilting machine, embroidery, seam welding, fabric printing (including dye sublimation and direct to cloth), screen printing, and heat press operation
Software: Microsoft applications: Word, Teams, and Xcel, Adobe applications: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Lightroom, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, EnRoute, RhinoCAM, Versa Works, UCP, Slic3r, and PreForm
Digital fabrication equipment: laser cutter, 3D printer, and plotter
Committed to safety, quality, demonstrated excellent customer service and professionalism
Demonstrated experience collaborating on teams with a track record of achieving established goals and objectives
Demonstrated ability to give and receive critical feedback
Capable of effectively documenting lab accomplishments, record keeping, and inventory management
Ability to exhibit confidence and competence in public speaking settings for the purposes of trainings, instruction, and lab tours
Salary Range
$37,000 - $41,000
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. 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.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
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.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. (http://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/)
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Background Check Policy Statement
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.
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.
Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.
Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/)
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