Adjunct Faculty - SPDI

CP15 Keene State College; United States; On-site; USD 6,000 - 12,000; Part time

Job summary

Keene State College's Sustainable Product Design & Innovation (SPDI) program seeks three part-time adjunct faculty members to support undergraduate instruction across the program. Courses may cover product design, CAD, design for manufacture, sustainability, prototyping, and related topics, based on program needs and instructor expertise.

Instructors will prepare and deliver hands-on lectures, studios, and labs; assess student work; provide timely feedback; and coordinate with SPDI faculty to

Qualifications

• Master's degree in product design, industrial design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, engineering technology, materials science, sustainability, or closely related field; OR bachelor's degree plus substantial professional experience.
• Demonstrated subject-matter competence and ability to support undergraduate learning.

Responsibilities

• Teach assigned course(s) with applied, hands-on instruction aligned to outcomes.
• Evaluate student work and provide timely feedback; maintain records.
• Coordinate with SPDI faculty to ensure course continuity and safety procedures.

Skills

CAD software

Prototyping & testing

Design for manufacture

Sustainability thinking

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in product/industrial/mechanical engineering or related

Tools

SolidWorks

CNC/CAM

Additive manufacturing

ERP systems

Job description

The Sustainable Product Design & Innovation (SPDI) program at Keene State College is seeking three part‑time adjunct faculty members to support undergraduate instruction across the program. Adjunct faculty may teach one or more courses in areas such as product design and development, computer-aided design and digital design tools, materials and manufacturing processes, prototyping and testing, design for manufacture and assembly, sustainability and life‑cycle thinking, or related applied engineering and design topics. Course assignments will be based on program needs, enrollment, and each instructor's expertise; incumbents are not expected to have expertise in every SPDI subject area. Adjunct faculty are responsible for effective course preparation and delivery, assessment of student learning, timely feedback, and coordination with SPDI faculty to maintain course and program continuity. Instruction may include lecture, studio, laboratory, and project‑based learning. These positions are not designated essential staff.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Teaching and Course Delivery (70%): Prepare and teach assigned course(s); deliver applied, hands‑on instruction aligned with established course outcomes; organize course materials and learning activities; use the institution's learning‑management system; and manage studio, laboratory, or project‑based activities as applicable.
• Student Learning and Assessment (20%): Evaluate student work using appropriate criteria; provide timely and constructive feedback; maintain accurate records of attendance and performance; communicate clearly with students; and provide reasonable availability for student questions and support.
• Program Coordination, Safety, and Stewardship (10%): Coordinate with SPDI faculty regarding course expectations and continuity; follow college and program safety procedures; support appropriate use and care of laboratory, studio, and manufacturing equipment; and participate in limited adjunct orientation or coordination activities as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: Master's degree in product design, industrial design, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, engineering technology, materials science, sustainability, or a closely related field; OR a bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus substantial professional experience appropriate to the course(s) assigned.
• Demonstrated subject‑matter competence and the ability to support undergraduate learning are required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Applied knowledge and professional competence in one or more SPDI‑related areas, such as product design, CAD, materials, manufacturing, prototyping, design for manufacture and assembly, sustainability, or related engineering/design practice.
• Ability to teach and support undergraduate students with varied backgrounds and levels of preparation.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly and connect theory to practice.
• Ability to organize course activities, meet deadlines, evaluate student work consistently, and provide timely feedback.
• Ability to support hands‑on, project‑based, studio, or laboratory learning and to model safe, responsible use of tools, equipment, and materials as applicable to the assigned course.
• Ability to use common instructional technologies and learning‑management systems and to learn program‑specific software or systems as needed.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with SPDI faculty and staff and to work within established course outcomes, program expectations, and college policies.

Other Requirements

• Ability to teach in the modality and schedule assigned. Many SPDI courses require on-campus studio, laboratory, or manufacturing instruction in Keene, New Hampshire. Course assignments are contingent upon enrollment and program need.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate, terminal degree, or additional graduate study in a relevant discipline.
• Prior college‑level teaching, training, mentoring, or curriculum‑development experience.
• Relevant industry or applied project experience in product development, engineering, design, manufacturing, or technical consulting.
• Experience with one or more areas such as SolidWorks or comparable CAD software; CNC/CAM; additive manufacturing; polymers, composites, metals, or other engineering materials; prototyping and testing; DfMA; life‑cycle assessment or sustainable design; manufacturing/ERP systems; or industry-sponsored product development.
• Experience supervising students in hands‑on laboratory, studio, shop, or project environments.
• Complementary expertise across the three hires is welcomed; no single candidate is expected to possess all preferred qualifications.

Keene State College is located in the scenic Monadnock region of Southwest New Hampshire and is an affiliate of the University System of New Hampshire. Located approximately 2 hours from Boston or Hartford CT, and 4 hours from New York City, the region contains many opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a strong sense of community.

To learn more about Keene State College, the University System of New Hampshire, and the Keene community, please visit: https://www.keene.edu, https://www.usnh.edu/ or https://www.ci.keene.nh.us.

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Compensation Pay Range: $800/credit plus premium for terminal degree.

More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources.

Location: Keene Salary Grade: Period Activity

The University System of New Hampshire is the largest provider of postsecondary education in the Granite State. With approximately 30,000 enrolled students annually and more than 90,000 alumni living in state, the institutions of the University System – the University of New Hampshire – Durham, the University of New Hampshire School of Law, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College – have a direct impact on hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire citizens every year.