Assistant / Associate Professor

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech invites applications for tenure-track faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, with a focus on advanced manufacturing. The start date is August 2027 and candidates are expected to establish an internationally recognized research program in areas such as materials, manufacturing processes, robotics, and data-driven design.

The successful candidate will teach core ME courses, mentor students, and contribute to VT MADE and

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline by start date.
• Experience establishing an internationally recognized research program and collaborating across disciplines.
• Ability to teach core ME courses and develop new specialized courses in advanced manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate ME courses; develop new courses addressing emerging directions.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to ME and VT MADE growth.
• Build and lead a vigorous, externally funded research program in advanced manufacturing.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Academic leadership

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related

Job description

Job Description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks applications for multiple tenure track faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, depending on experience and qualifications, in the broad area of advanced manufacturing with an anticipated start date of August 2027.

We seek candidates who will establish an internationally recognized research program in advanced manufacturing. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, advanced materials and materials processing; additive, hybrid, and emerging manufacturing processes; manufacturing robotics and automation, including autonomous self-driving laboratories; data-driven, intelligent, and autonomous manufacturing; computational design and digital manufacturing; human–machine interaction; point-of-care and distributed biomanufacturing; and future-generation manufacturing systems. Candidates whose research bridges multiple areas, integrates advances across materials, processes, design, and systems, or establishes new directions in advanced manufacturing are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will benefit from and contribute to VT MADE (Virginia Tech Center for Advanced Manufacturing), which brings together interdisciplinary expertise and research capabilities in materials, manufacturing technologies, computational and data-driven design, robotics and autonomy, digital integration, and manufacturing systems, while fostering partnerships across Virginia Tech and with external organizations to advance manufacturing research, education, and innovation.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including core mechanical engineering courses and specialized courses in their area of expertise. The development of new courses that address emerging directions in advanced manufacturing is encouraged. The successful candidate will also mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to the continued growth of advanced manufacturing research and education within the department and VT MADE.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline by the start of their appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

A history showing a strong record of academic accomplishments, a proven ability to work collaboratively, a commitment to interdisciplinary research and instruction, and a willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 6, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges, aaschool of medicine, aveterinary medicine college,Graduate School, andandHonors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Collins at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.