Lecturer – Automation and Controls

Utah State University; Price (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University seeks a full‑time lecturer to support the Automated Manufacturing Technical Certificate program at the Price campus. Beginning in August 2026, this 95% teaching role will deliver hands‑on instruction in circuit analysis, PLC programming, sensors, and controls.

The position advances the department’s transition to the School of Professional and Technical Education, offering a stable teaching‑heavy career in a premier land‑grant university setting on Utah’s Price campus.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Automation, Industrial Technology, Electro‑Mechanical, Robotics, or related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in automation, PLC programming, robotics, or motor controls.
• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing automation and smart manufacturing.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for mentoring the next generation.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands‑on, college‑level courses in PLCs, motor controls, and industrial automation.
• Assist in developing a new automation certificate program aligned with industry trends.
• Work with students on real‑world manufacturing projects to improve automation and efficiency.
• Support industry growth, assess workforce training needs, and develop customized training programs.
• Help businesses implement smart manufacturing and automation strategies.
• Inspire future talent by engaging high school students with dual‑credit courses and career exploration.
• Participate in STEM events and career fairs to promote the program and automation careers.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial automation

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Associate degree or higher in Automation or related field

5+ years industry experience in automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Job description

Overview

Utah State University’s Technology, Design, and Technical Education department is seeking a full‑time lecturer to support the Automated Manufacturing Technical Certificate program at the Price campus. Beginning in August 2026, this non‑tenure‑track role carries a 95% teaching and 5% service appointment. The lecturer will play a key role in delivering hands‑on instruction in circuit analysis, PLC programming, sensors, and controls. The department will transition to the School of Professional and Technical Education in the upcoming academic year.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands‑on, college‑level courses in PLCs, motor controls, and industrial automation.
• Assist in the development of a new automation technical certificate program aligned with industry trends and statewide curriculum.
• Work with students on real‑world manufacturing projects to improve automation and efficiency.
• Support industry growth, assess workforce training needs, and develop customized training programs.
• Help businesses implement smart manufacturing and automation strategies.
• Inspire future talent by engaging high school students with dual‑credit courses and career exploration.
• Participate in STEM events and career fairs to promote the program and automation careers.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in Automation, Industrial Technology, Electro‑Mechanical, Robotics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of industry experience in automation, PLC programming, robotics, or motor controls.
• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing automation and smart manufacturing.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for mentoring the next generation.

Prefered Qualifications:

• Experience developing training programs or instructional materials.
• Familiarity with Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or other major PLC systems.
• Certifications in automation, robotics, or related fiel

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PLC Programming – Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, etc.).
• Motor Controls – Knowledge of AC/DC motors, motor starters, VFDs, and control logic.
• Industrial Automation – Broad understanding of automated manufacturing systems, sensors, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Smart Manufacturing – Familiarity with modern trends like IIoT, machine data collection, and connected systems.
• Technical Troubleshooting – Ability to diagnose and resolve automation and control system issues

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land‑grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high‑quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac‑12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular‑season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student‑athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service.We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful.Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.Additionally,USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at [phone] [e-mail].

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non‑discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex‑segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non‑discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[e-mail]

[phone]

For further information regarding non‑discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [e-mail]

*updated 08/2026