Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Mechanical System Design - AY 26/27

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly); San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Childcare assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A higher education institution in San Luis Obispo seeks a full-time Assistant Professor in Mechanical System Design for the academic year 2026/2027. Responsibilities include teaching mechanical design courses, advising students, and conducting research. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and demonstrate strong teaching and communication skills. The position starts in September 2026, emphasizing a hands-on, student-centered approach.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Excellence in teaching and effective communication skills.
• Ability to develop an applied research program.

Responsibilities

• Teach mechanical design and solid mechanics courses.
• Advise students and conduct applied research.
• Engage in scholarly work and collaborate across the university.

Skills

Teaching effectiveness

Communication skills

Research development

Inclusive teaching

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Mechanical System Design, AY 26/27. The Mechanical Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of mechanical design and solid mechanics courses to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings.
• Advise students and participate in university service activities.
• Conduct applied research in mechanical engineering with outcomes assessment and a Learn by Doing approach.
• Engage in scholarly work of high quality as evidenced by external peer review and collaborate with colleagues across the university.
• Possibly teach in general areas of mechanics, mechanical design and/or design theory depending on department and program needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering in the general area of mechanical system design or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent (ABD considered with proof that the doctorate will be awarded before start).
• Excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse students, staff and faculty.
• Ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Hands-on, student-centered teaching experience and ability to teach in multidisciplinary settings; excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specializations in design communication, data-driven design decisions (big data), AI-assisted collaborative design, with emphasis on interdisciplinary activities in system engineering and mechanical or human-centered design.
• Experience teaching machine element design, design for strength & stiffness, mechanical system design, senior projects, upper-division electives, and master’s level courses related to the candidate’s expertise.
• Experience with laboratory-based instruction and/or industry experience; commitment to inclusive teaching and working with diverse populations.

Areas Of Emphasis For The Department

• Strong background in senior design, mechanical design, solid mechanics, design for strength & stiffness, and mechanical system design.
• Active engagement in scholarship and professional development.
• Excellence in university-level teaching and research; knowledge of modern design practices; strong laboratory-based instruction.
• Willingness to teach in multiple areas of the undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering curriculum.

Special Conditions

The position requires compliance with mandated reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083. A background check will be completed after a conditional offer of employment.

How To Apply

To apply, applicants should provide the following supplemental documents: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy; (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) unofficial transcripts; (6) three professional references with names and emails. Finalists will be asked to provide three letters of reference. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.

For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions, contact John Chen, Acting Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering, at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity

Cal Poly is an equal opportunity and excellence in education and employment institution. We are committed to inclusive excellence and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Cal Poly complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws and policies. Cal Poly benefits information can be found at https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/benefits/ and childcare information at https://www.asi.calpoly.edu/childrens-center/.

Notes

Starting date for this position is September 2026. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, extensive lab work, and hands-on projects. Cal Poly is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy applies.