Assistant Professor - Precision Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering

Engineering a world of possibilities

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, PRECISION MANUFACTURING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in precision manufacturing. The department seeks outstanding scholars whose work bridges precision manufacturing, metrology, and AI/ML-driven cyber-physical systems designed for critical and extreme-environment applications. The successful candidate will build a nationally recognized, externally funded research program, inspire students through excellent teaching, and help expand the department’s core manufacturing curriculum. Candidates whose work bridges fundamental research with use-inspired engineering to advance Mines’ strategic initiatives in Quantum, Critical Minerals & Earth 2.0, Energy, Space Resources and Additive Manufacturing are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to: 

• Advanced Precision & Micro/Nano-Scale Manufacturing: Sub-micron subtractive, additive, and hybrid manufacturing, ultra-precision machining, autonomous fabrication and assembly of micro/nano-scale materials and devices, including quantum materials and devices and precision packaging for quantum hardware, energy storage, and critical mineral recovery/processing systems.  
• Metrology & Autonomous Qualification: Sub-micron, multi-modal metrology integrated with non-destructive evaluation (NDE) frameworks for rapid qualification and certification. 
• AI/ML-Driven Cyber-Physical Systems: Physics-informed AI/ML, digital twins, and real-time closed-loop process monitoring for smart, automated quality assurance. 
• Extreme-Environment Manufacturing: Manufacturing of materials and components for cryogenic, ultra-high-vacuum, high-temperature, and radiation environments. 

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in the department’s core mechanical engineering, manufacturing and design curriculum, along with graduate courses in additive manufacturing. The candidate will also have the opportunity to establish a cyber-physical manufacturing laboratory that complements existing shared resources and supports cross-departmental research.  

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to submissions received by January 4th.

Please contact search chair Joy Gockel, ([email protected]) with questions. 

Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain an independent, externally funded research program in precision manufacturing, metrology, and intelligent process control, disseminating results through high-impact, peer-reviewed publications and presentations. 
• Recruit, supervise, and mentor graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) and undergraduate researchers. 
• Develop and deliver high-quality instruction to undergraduate and graduate students in Mechanical Engineering and Additive Manufacturing, including core manufacturing courses. 
• Build collaborations with industry partners and with faculty across Mines’ interdisciplinary manufacturing, materials, and energy programs. 
• Cultivate and promote a collaborative and welcoming Mines community through recruiting, mentoring, and service. 
• Contribute to Department, University, and professional communities through active service. 
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or another closely related field with relevant experience from an accredited program by the time the appointment begins. 
• Research expertise in precision manufacturing, metrology, or a closely related area, demonstrated by a record of scholarly publications appropriate to career stage. 
• Demonstrated potential to establish and sustain an independent, externally funded research program. 
• Commitment and ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in manufacturing and design and to implement best practices in STEM pedagogy. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage, collaborate, and communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners. 
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in additive manufacturing, micro/nano-scale metrology, or AI/machine learning methods for process monitoring and control. 
• Research interests aligned with one or more of Mines’ strategic initiatives in Quantum, Critical Minerals & Earth 2.0, Energy, Space Resources and Additive Manufacturing. 
• Record of securing, or clear potential to secure, competitive external funding from sources such as NSF, NIST, DOE, NASA, DoW, Manufacturing Innovation Institutes, and industry. 
• Experience collaborating with industry partners in the aerospace, defense, energy, semiconductor, or medical device sectors. 
• Experience developing or managing manufacturing or metrology laboratory facilities. 
• Demonstrated effective teaching ability at the university level. 
• Ability to teach courses in the Mines mechanical engineering core curriculum.  

About Mines & The Department of Mechanical Engineering  

Colorado School of Mines, Colorado's oldest public university, produces talent, knowledge and solutions that serve industry and benefit society—all to create a more prosperous future. Mines enrollment includes  6400 undergraduate students and 1900 graduate students in a broad range of applied science and engineering disciplines. Mines, an R1 institution, maintains high-quality, well-funded research programs (~$136M in awards for fiscal year 2025) with strong participation from both graduate and undergraduate students. The 2026 edition of U.S. News and World Report ranks Mines as a top 100 university. Mines has the highest admissions standards of any public university in Colorado and among the highest of any public university in the U.S.  Located in Golden, Colorado, Mines offers close proximity to Denver and Boulder, providing opportunities for significant collaboration with government labs, industry, and other universities.  

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines is a nationally recognized leader in engineering education and research, dedicated to advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions to complex societal and technological challenges. The department offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where faculty engage in high-impact research, mentor talented undergraduate and graduate students, and contribute to a culture of academic excellence. Areas of research strength include advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy systems, biomechanics, materials, and other interdisciplinary fields. Supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, strong industry partnerships, and an entrepreneurial spirit, the department provides exceptional opportunities for faculty to pursue externally funded research, develop meaningful collaborations, and make lasting contributions through teaching, scholarship, and service. The department's enrollment includes 2341 undergraduate students and 178 graduate students. 78% of students completed internships in 2025.  

More information about can be found at: https://www.mines.edu and  https://mechanical.mines.edu/ 

Total Rewards  

Academics Salary Rate $99,556 to $134,694  

Mines takes into consideration a combination of the 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 the salary rates for potential new employees. 
 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:  

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options, along with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)   
• Generous leave time including 11 paid holidays per year  
• Mandatory MDCP retirement plan fully vested on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution, plus optional voluntary retirement savings plans 
• Tuition benefits including up to 6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for eligible dependents  
• RTD Ecopass for free light rail and bus transportation throughout the Denver Metro area.    

Colorado School of Mines offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees both professionally and personally. In addition to competitive health, retirement, and wellness benefits, employees enjoy access to a variety of campus and community resources, including discounted programs through the State of Colorado, complimentary admission to Mines Athletics home events, and membership to the state-of-the-art Mines Recreation Center, featuring fitness classes, personal training, aquatic facilities, and more. Employees also have access to outdoor equipment rentals through the Outdoor Recreation Center and the convenience of an on-campus childcare center. Learn more about the exceptional benefits available at Mines at mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply  

Priority review will begin January 4th and will continue until the position is filled.  

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (indicating personal information, demographic information, references, and veteran status). References will not be collected or until later in the selection process, and will be informed before that contact is made. Applicants will notice on the application form that there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents. 

The application must include:  

• a curriculum vitae,  
• a statement of research (at most 4 pages),  
• a statement of teaching (at most 2 pages),  
• a cover letter expressing interest in the position at Mines, and  

Research Statement: Candidates should describe how their research relates to and complements research activities and expertise at Mines, its expected scholarly and societal impact, its relevance to Mines’ goals, and current or future connections to industry and/or opportunities for entrepreneurship. The statement should cover both the candidate's history of successful research as well as their plans for future research at Mines, and their plans for obtaining external funding for that future research. Candidates should also be sure to describe any transdisciplinary aspects of their research. (For more information visit https://research.mines.edu.) 

Teaching Statement: Mines is committed to high quality, hands-on and project-based learning. Additionally, Mines is growing its online MS non-thesis degree programs. Candidates should cover their in-person and hands-on teaching pedagogy and be prepared to describe any experience they have in online education. (Learn more about teaching resources at https://trefnycenter.mines.edu/.) 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. This posting may be used to fill multiple openings. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any application questions at [email protected]. We appreciate your interest in Mines!  

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 [email protected] or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation may be required for this position.

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