Professor (Non-Tenure Track) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Case; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Case Western Reserve University invites applications for a Non-Tenure Track Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The position emphasizes teaching and service, with opportunities to lead AI/ML in manufacturing initiatives, develop courses, and mentor students.

Candidates with strong academic or industrial impact and a vision for industry collaborations are encouraged to apply. Anticipated start date July 1, 2027.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with industry and funders.
• Strong written and oral communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Develop curriculum and pedagogical innovations.
• Build strategic partnerships with manufacturing industries.
• Engage in service at department, school, and university levels.

Skills

Strong communication

English proficiency

Teaching excellence

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Job description

Professor (Non-Tenure Track) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (FAC)

Location: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department

Posted: Wed, Oct 7, 2026

Description

Overview

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) invites applications for a Non- Tenure Track faculty position in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering . We seek a visionary leader with an outstanding track record of developing and deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies in manufacturing and related industrial applications. Areas of interest include manufacturing process and equipment health monitoring, optimization, autonomy and control, product quality assurance, maintenance, and lifecycle engineering.

This non-tenure-track position will emphasize teaching and service, with a focus on building strong, sustainable relationships with manufacturing and related industries . Outstanding candidates at the Professor rank will be considered for an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027 .

The MAE department at CWRU has a renowned history of scholarly activities that encompass a broad range of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, from microgravity to biologically inspired robotics, biomechanics, point-of-care biosensing, additive and hybrid manufacturing, artificial intelligence/machine learning for data analytics, learning-enabled control, thermal management, hypersonic aerodynamics, fire science and engineering, and computational fluid dynamics.

About Us

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a leading private research university, located in Cleveland’s vibrant University Circle. The university is known for its strengths in interdisciplinary research, academic excellence, and collaboration with world-renowned healthcare, cultural, and industry partners. In 2026, CWRU was named to the Forbes’ “New Ivies” list. CWRU’s research expenditures trajectory also earned the #1 spot as the fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Under the leadership of CWRU President Eric W. Kaler, the university is guided by three institutional priorities: to elevate academic excellence, expand the research enterprise and enhance community engagement and impact. The university is celebrating its bicentennial this year with the opening of a new $300 million interdisciplinary science and engineering building, intended to foster greater collaboration across disciplines to improve the world.

The Case School of Engineering is a major driver of innovation, discovery, and translational impact at Case Western Reserve. The school is known for excellence in both foundational and applied research, with strengths spanning biomedical engineering, computer and data sciences, materials, energy, robotics, manufacturing, human health, and emerging technologies . Faculty benefit from strong institutional support for research and innovation, as well as extensive opportunities to collaborate across the university and with major external partners including NASA Glenn Research Center, hospital affiliates (including the Cleveland Clinic), regional industry, and national laboratories. Faculty in the Case School of Engineering are encouraged to pursue joint appointments with external partners as well as other exchange opportunities such as industry-based sabbaticals. The school is at the forefront of CWRU’s new National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine, NEO-SMART, backed by an NSF investment of up to $160M over 10 years with well over 70 partners across Northeast Ohio. The school’s educational mission is equally distinctive, emphasizing experiential learning and student mentorship.

Faculty are supported in their research pursuits through advanced instrumentation in shared facilities, advanced research computing resources, research centers and institutes, and strong administrative support for proposal development and grants management. Faculty are supported in their pursuit of teaching excellence and engineering educational innovations through the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education. CWRU also offers outstanding opportunities for pursuing entrepreneurship and translational research. The university supports innovation through resources for intellectual property development, commercialization, startup creation, and strategic partnerships, enabling faculty to extend the reach of their research from discovery to societal benefit.

CWRU's 267-acre campus is in the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle, one of the nation’s top arts districts and within walking distance of three major hospitals . Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs are known for their affordable, high- quality of life, with access to great schools, recreation options, and a vibrant community.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education through teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising undergraduate and graduate students, and contributing to curriculum development and innovations.
• Create strategic partnerships with manufacturing and related industries to support long-term collaborations aligned with the department’s and university’s strategic priorities.
• Integrate AI/ML into graduate and/or undergraduate coursework to prepare the next generation of researchers and engineers.
• Participate in departmental, school, university, and professional-society service.
• Engage in collaborative and interdisciplinary activities across the university and with external partners - including industry and national laboratories.

The annual starting base (academic year) salary range for this position is from $145,000 – $165,000 . CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance , and paid time off. For more details on CWRU’s benefits, see https://case.edu/hr/benefits .

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities Applications requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216.368.3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Qualifications

Required Qualification

• An earned PhD inMechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• An excellent track record of academic and/or industrial achievements.
• A clearly articulated vision for developing innovative industry-academic partnerships aligned with the strategic priorities of the department, and the skills to implement that vision.
• Demonstrated real-world experience, an innovative perspective, and a strong understanding of industrial applications of AI/ML.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in engagement with industry and funding agencies, and commitment to effective mentoring and student success.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral, industrial, or other relevant research experience beyond the Ph.D.
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [e-mail] . Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Interfolio manages this academic recruitment search for Case Western Reserve University. Applicants receive a free Interfolio Dossier account to submit credentials and reference letters.