Research Associate I - Test Engineer

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 05 Sep 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Research Associate I - Test Engineer
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202201150AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $55,000-$60,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date 10/01/2022
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 09/05/2022
Description of Work Unit
As one of the nation’s top public research universities, Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a land-grant institution, with enrollment of more than 33,000 students. CSU offers 76 undergraduate degree programs, 114 graduate degree programs, 21 professional master’s degree programs, and a Professional Veterinary Medicine program. CSU’s world-class research and scholarship attract more than $400 million in research funding annually, putting the university among top federally funded public universities without a medical school. Colorado’s Front Range is a high-tech hub with companies such as Woodward, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, IBM, Intel, Keysight Technologies, Broadcomm, AMD, Xilinx, Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman located in or near Fort Collins.
Fort Collins is an attractive community of approximately 170,000 located along the Colorado Front Range at the base of the Rocky Mountains, 65 miles north of Denver. The city is routinely recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. It consistently ranks high on quality of life measures by numerous publications; see https://www .fcgov.com/visitor/awards for the complete list. The city offers a pleasant climate with excellent schools and abundant cultural and recreational opportunities nearby. For more information on Fort Collins, check out the City’s website: www.visitftcollins.com.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at CSU offers a curriculum that integrates exceptional classroom learning and in-depth engineering practice for an unparalleled educational experience. Made up of 43 faculty members, 10 staff members, 1,000 undergraduate students, and 125 graduate students, ME is one of the largest departments on CSU’s campus. State-of-the-art labs provide unmatched, hands-on experience to help undergraduate students conceptualize industry environments, and $11M in annual research funding provide groundbreaking opportunities focusing on health, materials, and energy, for graduate students to enhance their educational concentrations. Award-winning faculty offer industry and academic perspective, and equip each graduate with the tools needed to obtain leading positions in advanced technology fields. The Mechanical Engineering program at CSU includes majors in both Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering-Mechanical Engineering; both curriculum combine classroom learning with engineering practice. The department recently added specialties for Aerospace Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, offering undergraduate concentrations, a graduate certificate, a Master of Engineering (M.E.) with specialization, and a Master of Science (M.S.) with a specialized master’s thesis. Our goal is to give our graduates the engineering skills they need to obtain leading positions in advanced technology fields. Our students are integral members of our research groups and their thesis and dissertation topics focus on cutting-edge research. Further information about the Department can be found at www.engr.colostate.edu/me/.
The Engines and Energy Conversion Lab is entering its third decade of delivering significant, meaningful solutions to meet the global energy challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century, providing our students and researchers the experience and tools for a lifetime of contribution. With a focus towards market driven solutions, products developed at the lab in partnership with our industrial sponsors have reduced pollution in the atmosphere by millions of tons and have saved over 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Position Summary
The Engines and Energy Conversion Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking a Research Associate I. The selected individual will work with Drs. Dan Olsen and Bret Windom on funded research projects to improve engine efficiency and reduce emissions.
Required Job Qualifications
  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering;
  • Strong knowledge of combustion science and industrial engine operation;
  • Ability to move 50 lbs of lab equipment, tools and materials with a dolly, regularly and when necessary without additional personnel to assist;
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with tight deadlines; and
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Experience using National Instruments LabVIEW and associated hardware;
  • 5-gas emissions analyzer operation and maintenance with an understanding of emissions sampling methods and regulations;
  • Data acquisition and processing of data as it pertains to engine performance, combustion, emissions, and other testing apparatus; and
  • Extensive knowledge of power systems engineering principles, standard practices, and industry standards.
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Design and fabricate engine test apparatus;
  • Conduct engine related testing and research;
  • Analyze and interpret test data; and 
  • Present results to research sponsors, PEC staff and researchers, and other University stakeholders.
Percentage Of Time 60%
Job Duty Category Lab Operations
Duty/Responsibility
  • Install new equipment, including engines, dynamometers, controls, wiring, piping, pumps, valves, etc.;
  • Maintain control room equipment (emissions analyzers, data acquisition equipment, emission sample lines, pumps, valves, etc.);
  • Operate engine test cells and support equipment;
  • Develop accurate scope of work and project cost estimates; and 
  • Support management of Powerhouse Control Room Staff and Student employees, including task delegation and scheduling.
Percentage Of Time 40%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
People interested in this position must submit a cover letter which addresses how education and professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume or CV, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Dan Olsen, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
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.

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