Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering - Oklahoma Baptist University

Christian Career Center; Shawnee (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

Free life insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement investment matching

Cafeteria discounts

Job summary

Christian Career Center seeks a Mechanical Engineering Professor in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The role focuses on teaching undergraduate courses and integrating faith with engineering practice, while fostering student development through mentoring and collaborative education.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechanical engineering, a commitment to Christian values, and a proven ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively at the undergraduate level.
• Ability to thoughtfully integrate Christian faith with engineering theory.
• Experience mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Teach various undergraduate mechanical engineering courses.
• Develop innovative teaching methods that integrate faith and learning.
• Mentor and advise students on academic and career goals.

Skills

Teaching mechanical engineering courses

Integrating Christian faith with engineering

Strong communication skills

Education

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field

Tools

Engineering software tools

Laboratory equipment for control systems and robotics

Job description

Mission Statement

OBU transforms lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.

Expectations for all Employees

• Demonstrate commitment to the essentials of the Christian faith.
• Commit to the mission and vision of Oklahoma Baptist University.
• Treat people with dignity and respect.
• Build relationships on honesty, integrity, and trust.
• Strive for excellence through teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic.
• Manage human and financial resources wisely and efficiently.

Purpose

OBU is a distinguished Christian university committed to integrating faith and learning. We strive to provide an education that fosters intellectual growth, spiritual development, and a commitment to service. Our Mechanical Engineering Department is dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and industry engagement, with a particular focus on undergraduate education, hands‑on learning, and project‑based experiences in a Christ‑centered, liberal arts context.

Desired Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineering Professor to join our faculty. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, significant industry experience, and a commitment to Christian values, with demonstrated or emerging excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. This position involves teaching undergraduate courses, participating in scholarly activities, and mentoring students.

Essential Functions

• Teach a variety of mechanical engineering courses at the undergraduate level including Control Systems, Advanced Control Systems, Robotics and Mechatronics, as well as additional courses in the mechanical engineering curriculum as departmental needs arise.
• Develop and implement innovative teaching methods that integrate faith and learning, including project‑based learning, laboratory experiences, and the use of appropriate educational technology.
• Mentor and advise students on academic and career goals, including their spiritual and professional formation as Christian engineers.
• Collaborate with industry partners to enhance the practical learning experience for students and to help maintain an industry‑informed curriculum.
• Contribute to departmental and university service activities such as ABET accreditation, curriculum and program development, and student recruitment.
• Remain current in their field by participating in scholarly activities and being active in professional organizations.
• Engage in collaboration with faculty in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and other STEM disciplines to support interdisciplinary learning and projects.
• Uphold and promote the Christian mission and values of the university.

Other Duties

• Assist with purchasing large equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to teach mechanical engineering courses effectively at the undergraduate level, particularly in control systems, robotics/mechatronics, and related areas.
• Ability to thoughtfully integrate Christian faith with the theory and practice of engineering.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, team‑oriented department and to build constructive relationships with students, staff, faculty, and industry partners.
• Organizational and time‑management skills sufficient to balance teaching, advising, and service responsibilities.
• Commitment to mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Education

• Required: M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.

Experience

• Required:
  • Strong commitment to integrating Christian faith with academic excellence.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Active involvement in a Christian church and alignment with the university’s statement of faith.
• Preferred:
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching.
  • 5 or more years of industry experience in mechanical engineering.
  • Professional Engineering license.
  • Experience in curriculum development and academic program assessment.
  • Involvement in professional engineering organizations.
  • ABET accreditation experience.

Equipment

• Typical laboratory and instructional equipment for control systems, robotics, and mechatronics (e.g., microcontrollers, PLCs, sensors, actuators, power electronics trainers, data acquisition).
• Engineering software tools.
• Standard instructional technology (e.g., Canvas learning management system, presentation software, document cameras, and classroom audio‑visual systems).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to teach in classroom and laboratory settings, including standing for extended periods and moving between lab stations.
• Ability to lift and move laboratory equipment and supplies, typically up to approximately 20 pounds.
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to safely supervise students in laboratory and shop environments.

Special Requirements

• Must be a member of a local evangelical Christian church.
• Evangelical is a broad term referring to a segment within Christianity which maintains the authority of the Bible and the belief in salvation by faith in Jesus alone.

Benefits

OBU understands that our employees are our most valuable assets when fulfilling our mission. We strive to offer an extensive array of benefits and opportunities for employees to choose from. Full‑time employees benefit from the generous OBU provision of premium contributions for nationwide family‑friendly Health and Dental coverages along with free life insurance that includes accidental death and dismemberment equal to an employee’s base salary. OBU provides access to optional employee‑paid ancillary benefits like vision, hospitalization, critical illness, accident, additional employee‑paid family life insurance coverages, and education benefits at OBU and other institutions of higher education. There is generous paid time off that includes annual granted vacation time, accrued sick leave, six annual holidays, and week‑long breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas that include energy conservation days. For all employees working at least half‑time, there is an employer matching opportunity for retirement investments in a 403(b)(9) plan administered by Guide Stone. There are numerous other perks and opportunities for OBU employees including free family membership to the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center or RAWC, global outreach university mission trips, cafeteria discounts, and parking privileges to name a few.