Assistant/Associate Professor - Engineering Technology - AY 27/28

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo; Vallejo (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo’s Cal Poly Solano Campus invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor in Engineering Technology. The position focuses on teaching undergraduate courses, developing curricula, and supporting the Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s training cruises.

The successful candidate will have a strong teaching record, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology (marine, mechanical, electrical, naval, or industrial) or closely related field.
• Ability to develop externally funded, applied research with undergrad and graduate students.
• Hands‑on, student‑centered learning and teaching; strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary settings and with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in marine engineering technology and related curricula.
• Advise students in Marine Engineering Technology and Facilities Engineering Technology programs.
• Engage in professional development to advance knowledge in engineering fields.
• Participate in department and campus committees and service activities.
• Participate in annual training ship cruises as instructional faculty or watch officer as required.

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Student-centered learning

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/engineering technology

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor – Engineering Technology – AY 27/28

The Engineering Technology Department in the College of Engineering at the Cal Poly Solano Campus of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) invites applications for a full‑time, academic‑year, tenure‑track faculty position at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank beginning approximately August 12, 2027. Rank at hire is commensurate with the experience and education of the successful candidate.

Cal Poly has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a “Learn by Doing” philosophy and focused on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. Cal Poly is committed to the teacher‑scholar model. As teachers, faculty members are expected to exhibit strong pedagogical skills and remain proficient and current in their disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate level courses and support and expand curricular development in Engineering Technology, Engineering Plant Operations, and Sea Training. As scholars, faculty should be engaged in professional development of high quality as evidenced by external peer review. As colleagues, faculty are encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University. This is a full‑time tenure‑track teaching position and will require future participation in the Cal Poly Maritime Academy summer sea training in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the cruise faculty MOU.

Responsibilities

• Instruction of marine and facilities engineering technology coursework in classrooms, laboratories, simulators, or aboard the training ship. Curricula taught may include:
  • Steam, Diesel, or Turbine Power Generation
  • Ship Propulsion Simulation
  • Electrical Systems
  • HVAC
  • Refrigeration
  • Introduction to Marine Engineering
  • Plant Operations
  • Other fundamental engineering courses associated with the Engineering Technology program
• Student advising in the Marine Engineering Technology and Facilities Engineering Technology programs.
• Professional development activities that advance knowledge within an engineering field.
• Service in department and campus‑wide academic and administrative teams and committees.
• Future annual participation as an instructional faculty member and/or engineering watch officer aboard the Training Ship Golden State.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education, experience, and USCG licensure (if any) of the individual selected. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring ranges: Assistant Professor: $106,000–$117,000 and Associate Professor: $114,000–$126,000 per year.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

A minimum earned bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology (marine, mechanical, electrical, naval, or industrial), or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required for appointment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills, and must have the ability to work effectively with students, staff, and faculty. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands‑on, student‑centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings, are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills, along with a strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching, are required. Demonstrated proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated excellence in university‑level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), experience with laboratory‑based instruction, and/or industry experience. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment is preferred.

Preference will be given to candidates with i) a current U.S. Coast Guard engineer (unlimited) license with appropriate STCW endorsements, ii) prior engineering experience in the maritime industry, iii) a Master’s degree or higher in engineering, engineering technology or engineering management, iv) interest and expertise in more than one technical area, v) experience in an engineering leadership role, and/or vi) leadership training experience.

Special Conditions

A valid USCG medical certificate is required to participate in the training cruise. The incumbent must participate in a random drug‑screening program as required by federal law.

Work site aboard the training ship requires climbing up and down ship ladders and gangways; lifting and carrying material from pier to training ship; and occasional work in excess heat, cold, dampness or dry atmospheric conditions.

All mariners should be capable of living and working in cramped spaces on rolling vessels, maintaining balance on a moving deck, rapidly donning an exposure suit, stepping over doorsills of 24 inches in height, opening and closing watertight doors that may weigh up to 56 pounds, pulling heavy objects, up to 50 lbs. in weight, distances of up to 400 feet, climbing steep stairs or vertical ladders without assistance, participating in firefighting and lifesaving efforts, including wearing a self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and lifting/controlling fully charged fire hoses. Extended workdays are common.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Benefits

Cal Poly provides a range of benefits for our faculty, which can be found at https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/benefits/. Cal Poly is family friendly, offering parental leave, educational fee waivers, childcare pre‑tax benefits, and an on‑campus children’s center ( https://www.asi.calpoly.edu/childrens-center/).

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment‑based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.