Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

UTC Theatre Co.; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga invites applications for multiple tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in Mechanical Engineering beginning Fall 2026. The department seeks scholars with PhD in hand and strong research interests in thermal-fluid science, advanced materials, and energy systems.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop new curricula, and establish externally funded programs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Undergraduate degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace preferred).
• Demonstrated research interest in thermal-fluid science, advanced materials science and mechanics, or energy conversion and storage systems.
• Experience in modeling and simulation or experimental/computational methods, with preference for AI-assisted, data-driven modeling.
• Ability to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses and develop new courses.
• Expected to establish externally funded research programs, publish scholarly work, and engage in service to the profession and university.

Responsibilities

• Teach existing undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and potentially develop new courses.
• Establish strong externally funded research programs and publish scholarly work.
• Engage in service to the profession and the university.

Skills

Thermal-fluid science

Advanced material science andMechanics

Energy conversion and storage systems

AI-assisted data-driven modeling

Scientific machine learning

Teaching undergraduate and graduate..

Externally funded research programs

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field

Undergraduate degree in Engineering

Job description

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga: College of Engineering and Computer Science: Mechanical Engineering

Location

Chattanooga, TN

Open Date

Oct 22, 2025

Description

The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga invites applications for multiple tenure-track Assistant Professor positions beginning Fall 2026.

Qualifications

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred). Additionally, applicants will have a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field. The successful candidates should have the following attributes:

• Demonstrated research interest in one of the following areas:
  • Thermal-fluid science
  • Advanced material science and mechanics
  • Energy conversion and storage systems
• Experience in modeling and simulation or a combination of experimental and computational methods, with preference given to those with expertise in AI-assisted, data-driven modeling, such as scientific machine learning.
• Be able to teach existing undergraduate- and graduate-level courses and potentially develop new courses within their field of expertise.
• Expected to establish strong externally funded research programs, be committed to scholarly publication activity, and be engaged in service to the profession and the university.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their teaching competency and articulate their plan for developing and sustaining an externally funded research program. Review of candidates will begin immediately, with full consideration given to those who apply by January 5, 2026. Applications must include a cover letter, a teaching statement, a research statement, and a curriculum vitae, including names, title, and contact information of at least three references.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga isin the heart of one of Tennessee’s largest and most dynamic cities. Asa national model for metropolitan universities, UTC collaborates with its many regional partners to offer an experiential learning environment with outstanding teaching scholars in 128 undergraduate degree programs and 55 graduate programs—at both the master's and doctoral levels. UTC and Chattanooga—nationally recognized for its downtown redevelopment and wealth of outdoor recreation—are inextricably linked, and the University is central to the workforce and economic development efforts of the region and the state.

Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Engineering and Computer Science; Health, Education and Professional Studies; and the Honors College are home to an array of award-winning programs from Nursing to Computer Science, Entrepreneurship to Veteran Student Support. Innovation is a strategic focus, and UTC research and development in smart city technology is an industry leader. UTC is the first andonly university in the country with access to a managed, commercial quantum computing network, and we are introducing an artificial intelligence initiative involving entities across campus and engaging partners throughout the region.

From our deep ties to the city of Chattanooga to our national reputation for innovation and hands‑on learning, UTC stands out as a university where students thrive, faculty inspire, and partnerships create real impact.

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conductthis search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossieraccount and can send all application materials, includingconfidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteranstatus.