Research Staff - Mobile Metal Manufacturing (MMM) Project Staff

Engineering a world of possibilities

Mines welcomes applications for a new project staff member who will provide staff support for design, deployment, and continuous improvement of the METAL Mobile Manufacturing (MMM) unit. Design responsibility includes configuration of metal casting, forging, rolling, machining, modeling, metallography, and mechanical testing. Deployment includes delivering 4-day METAL Level 1 Bootcamp training at sites throughout the 11 Western states of the USA. Continuous improvement includes analysis and management of all project tasks and quality system improvement actions. This position supports subcontract METAL-ME-013 (July 2026–December 2028) between Colorado School of Mines and Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation (CCS/IACMI), with a goal of delivering approximately 35 bootcamps to 360 or more participants across 11 Western states. The mobile unit is targeted to be fully operational by December 31, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design of Mobile Metal Training Unit (10%)

• Identify, evaluate, select, and procure MMM equipment
• Configure metal training equipment in 53-foot trailer
• Work effectively as a member of the MMM design team
• Prepare and submit Final Mobile Unit Design Package to IACMI by August 30, 2026, including vehicle/structural drawings, floor plans, emergency egress plans, ADA features, and weight distribution specifications
• Specify electrical distribution, power/generator/battery systems, HVAC, lighting, ventilation, and internet connectivity
• Develop safety and compliance documentation: emergency shutoffs, fire suppression/extinguisher placement, machine guarding plans, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, and incident reporting procedures
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, federal/state safety requirements, electrical and fire codes, and manufacturer safety recommendations
• Develop Operations and Deployment Plan covering setup/takedown procedures, event logistics workflow, and site requirement checklist

 

Deploy Mobile Metal Manufacturing Training (28%)

 

• Learn and master METAL Level 1 training curriculum
• Deliver METAL Level1 Bootcamps throughout the Western USA, 1-3 times per month
• Operate all Bootcamp equipment safely
• Drive 1-ton pickup truck towing a diesel generator
• Deliver METAL Level 1 curriculum covering Mold Making, Casting Design, Metallurgy and Heat Treatment (casting, forging, rolling), Aluminum Casting (lost foam and 3D sand printed molds), Post Processing, and Casting Copper Base Alloys
• Achieve operational KPIs: >=70% mobile unit utilization, >=90% schedule adherence; mobile unit fully operational by December 31, 2026
• Serve a minimum of 360 participants across 11 Western states by November 30, 2028
• Maintain safety KPIs: zero major safety incidents; 100% documented equipment inspections; 100% instructor safety training completion; 100% PPE protocol compliance; incident corrective actions completed within 30 days
• Submit participant rosters to IACMI at end of each bootcamp or with monthly report

 

Safety Systems and Regulatory Compliance (5%)

 

• Implement and maintain all safety systems: emergency shutoffs, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, ventilation controls, machine guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures
• Comply with OSHA standards, applicable federal and state safety requirements, local policies, electrical and fire codes, and manufacturer safety recommendations
• Complete documented safety training and demonstrate competency in operating all instructional equipment
• Provide and maintain documentation verifying inspection, certification, and compliance prior to each deployment
• Enforce 100% compliance with required PPE protocols for all bootcamp activities

 

Reporting, Data Collection, and Communications (5%)

 

• Prepare and submit monthly activity reports to IACMI (due 2/10, 3/10, 5/10, 6/10, 8/10, 9/10, 11/10, 12/10) including financial snapshot, SOW progress, success stories, industry engagement, and participant roster
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports to IACMI (due 1/10, 4/10, 7/10, 10/10)
• Track and report monthly Operational and Safety KPIs
• Maintain and submit equipment inventory records at the time of installation and annually
• Support annual leveraged funds reporting to IACMI and maintain co-branding requirements and METAL/IACMI communications

 

Project Management & Continuous Improvement (10%)

 

• Analyze and manage all MMM project tasks
• Implement Continuous Improvement Actions
• Support report preparation for Project Sponsor
• Develop and participate in local Process Improvement Team (established by October 31, 2026) to collect, analyze, and implement lessons learned from participants, instructors, and industry
• Contribute to annual Process Improvement Reports submitted to IACMI (due June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2028)
• Support development of program self-sustainability plan due September 30, 2028
• Participate in METAL Advisory Network (MAN) governance activities

 

Other Duties as Assigned (2%)

• Support public communications for MMM project, including updating MMM website.
• Support industry engagement activities including networking events, guest speaking, technical presentations, and workforce panels with regional metalworking employers
• Support Train-the-Trainer activities to equip partner schools and training centers with METAL program knowledge and capability

 

JOB DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Physical Requirements:

The position requires extensive road travel, including typically two 5-day trips to sites in the Western USA every month. The ability to operate a 1-ton conventional pickup truck. Physical strength to lift barrels of sand, metal ingots, and workpieces up to 75 pounds is essential.

Potential Environmental Conditions/Hazards:

The position requires operation of metal casting, forging, rolling, machining, metallography, and mechanical testing. Hazards of these operations include high-temperature molten metal, high mechanical forces & stored energy, metal dust and sharp chips, and the use of acids. Exposure to diesel fuels during refueling of the MMM 1-ton pickup truck.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

                                                                                                                                  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS Degree in Metallurgical Engineering
• Knowledge of metal forming and the metallurgy of alloy systems based on iron, aluminum, and copper is essential.
• Skills in metallography and mechanical testing of metals are required.
• Ability to plan, organize, and report on progress for project tasks and milestones
• Ability to learn, follow, and deliver METAL Level 1 Bootcamp lessons on metal casting, forging, rolling, machining, modeling, metallography, and mechanical testing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS Degree in Metallurgical Engineering or related engineering field

• Familiarity with OSHA 10 or 30; CDL (commercial driver's license) or willingness to obtain

• Experience with industrial safety programs (OSHA compliance, lockout/tagout, machine guarding); experience in technical training delivery or hands-on curriculum instruction; experience with project reporting and data management; familiarity with US Department of Defense or Department of Labor workforce development programs; experience with industry engagement and partnership development in manufacturing sectors

 

TOTAL REWARDS

Salary Rate: $70,000 annually 
 

Mines 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 options 
• Generous 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 contribution 
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents) 
• Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and lightrail

All 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 APPLY

Priority review of applications will begin on September 30th 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 CV
• Upload a cover letter describing interest and qualifications
• Names and contact information of three professional references
   

Applicants 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 kfeighny@mines.edu​ with any application questions.

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. 40 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, 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?

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 hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Successful completion of a background investigation is 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