Autonomous Machines Mechanical Engineering Assistant Professor

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering—Autonomous and Complex Systems, Computational Dynamics. The candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop an active research program, and contribute to the department, college, and profession.

Start date Fall 2027; on-campus, nine-month appointment. The department offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs and ABET-accredited curricula.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field.
• Teaching experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated potential for productive research and scholarship.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical engineering (Autonomous and Complex Systems / Computational Dynamics).
• Develop and maintain an active research program in relevant topics such as Autonomous and Complex Systems and Computational Dynamics.
• Provide service to the department, college, and university, including committees and outreach.
• Mentor students and supervise theses/dissertations as appropriate.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Collaboration

External funding

Curriculum development

Student mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Terminal degree in direct field

Job description

Work Authorization and Immigration Sponsorship

Wichita State University may be able to sponsor certain faculty positions for employment-based immigration status where authorized by the hiring department and university policy. Sponsorship eligibility varies by faculty position and will be identified in the individual job posting.

For faculty positions eligible for sponsorship, international candidates generally must be eligible for sponsorship in a visa classification compatible with the faculty position. For tenured and tenure-track faculty appointments, visa classifications incompatible with such appointments include F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), J-1 Research Scholar, and J-1 Academic Training statuses.

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Campus Location

Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type

Full Time

Pay

Range beginning $95,000-$110,000/yr, commensurate with qualifications

Work Schedule

Dependent on teaching assignment and research program needs. Work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement

No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering - Autonomous and Complex Systems, Computational Dynamics area. We seek an innovative scholar and educator who will contribute to our academic programs and research profile. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop a productive research program, and provide service to the university and profession. This position is a 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027.

The Department has three-degree programs (one bachelor’s, one master’s, and one PhD program), and three graduate certificate programs. Our undergraduate program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, which means the curriculum has met rigorous benchmarks and goals, as has our graduate programs. Additionally, our department is committed to experience-based instruction and research, so students have the opportunity to engage in paid applied learning experiences and research with our faculty even as undergraduates. Graduates of our programs go on to design products and machines, as well as develop processes for manufacturing. New faculty will find supportive colleagues and opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives across the university.

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Teaching

Develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in mechanical engineering in Autonomous and Complex Systems / Computational Dynamics. This includes designing curriculum and instructional materials, delivering high-quality instruction in various modalities (in-person, online, or hybrid), and assessing student learning. The faculty member will mentor and advise students, including supervising research projects or theses/dissertasion as appropriate, and incorporate applied learning opportunities (e.g. projects with industry or community partners) into the coursework whenever possible.

Research/Scholarly Activity

Successful applicants for the position will demonstrate deep expertise and establish and maintain an active research program in one or more of the following topics: Autonomous and Complex Systems, Computational Dynamics, Vehicle Dynamics and Control, (Vibro)-Acoustics and Noise Control, and Autonomous Matter and Machines. The research activity should advance the next generation of engineers and researchers by developing a deep understanding of the dynamics of complex engineering systems focusing on creating advanced methods for control, estimation, planning, and learning that enable intelligent autonomous systems to operate safely, efficiently, and adaptively in dynamic environments. These foundational capabilities are essential for the autonomous technologies of the future, to design and realize smart autonomous systems that address critical challenges in industry and society, fostering innovation, sustainability, and improved quality of life. Publishing peer-reviewed scholarly work and disseminating results in academic venues if of great importance. The faculty member is expected to seek external funding (grants or industry collaboration) to support research activities and, where applicable, engage in interdisciplinary projects or partnerships with industry, and advising and supervising undergraduate and graduate students’ thesis and dissertation projects. Excellence in scholarship should be demonstrated by a record of research accomplishments or clear potential for high-quality research output.

Service

Participate in service activities within the department, college, and university, as well as in professional organizations. Service duties include committee work, curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment, and community outreach. The faculty member will contribute to the governance and strategic initiatives of the department and may also engage in service to the broader profession (e.g. reviewing for journals, involvement in academic societies).

Other

Fulfill other duties as assigned, in accordance with the faculty member’s talents and departmental needs. All Wichita State faculty are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards in teaching, research, and service.

Required Education and Experience

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required. Candidates must have completed the requirements for the Ph.D. by May 2027. Applicants who are at an advanced stage of their doctoral studies will be considered if they provide strong evidence that all degree requirements will be completed prior to July 2027.
• Demonstrated potential for effective teaching in (computational/experimental) dynamic analysis, and design of complex multi-physics, multi-disciplinary, and cyber-physical engineering systems. Evidence may include prior teaching experience, student evaluations, teaching awards, or a teaching philosophy that reflects best practices in instruction.
• Demonstrated potential for productive research and scholarship. This can be shown by publications, conference presentations, dissertation work, or other scholarly activities indicating the ability to develop an independent research program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and students.
• The candidate should be able to collaborate in a collegial academic environment and adapt to the interdisciplinary and applied learning focus of Wichita State.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners in an academic environment.
• Potential to obtain external research funding, or evidence of previous success in securing grants, contracts, or industry-supported research funding.
• Ability to develop collaborations as part of a multidisciplinary research teams.
• Ability to provide instruction curriculum to a variety of learners.
• Interest in interdisciplinary work or industry collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interdisciplinary/Applied Focus: Experience or interest in interdisciplinary work or industry collaboration. For example, a history of working on research projects across disciplines or partnerships with industry and the community (aligned with Wichita State’s emphasis on applied learning and innovation) is desirable.

Additional Information

Work Authorization and Immigration Sponsorship

Wichita State University may be able to sponsor certain faculty positions for employment-based immigration status where authorized by the hiring department and university policy. Sponsorship eligibility varies by faculty position and will be identified in the individual job posting.

For faculty positions eligible for sponsorship, international candidates generally must be eligible for sponsorship in a visa classification compatible with the faculty position. For tenured and tenure-track faculty appointments, visa classifications incompatible with such appointments include F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), J-1 Research Scholar, and J-1 Academic Training statuses.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%;
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%