Visiting Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Widener University; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Widener University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor for Fall 2026. The one-year, full-time, non-tenure track appointment focuses on teaching undergraduate ME courses, including Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Deformable Bodies, and CAD.

In addition to instruction, the candidate will advise students, contribute to ABET assessment, support recruitment and outreach, and collaborate with faculty and staff to advance the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated teaching ability in mechanical engineering courses.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Mechanical Engineering and related disciplines.
• Teach foundational engineering courses such as Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Deformable Bodies, and CAD, as assigned.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students on academic and professional development.
• Supervise and mentor Mechanical Engineering Senior Design (Capstone) projects.
• Contribute to ABET assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement activities, including course assessment and documentation.
• Participate in student recruitment, retention, outreach, and initiatives that support enrollment growth and student success.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to support the educational mission and strategic goals of the department and school.

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field

Job description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor position reporting to the Chair of Mechanical Engineering, the one-year position is a full-time, non-tenure track position beginning in Fall 2026. The successful candidate will primarily teach undergraduate courses in Mechanical Engineering, including foundational engineering courses such as Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Deformable Bodies, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Additional teaching assignments may be based on the candidate's expertise and departmental needs.

In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will advise and mentor undergraduate students, contribute to ABET assessment and accreditation activities, support continuous improvement initiatives, participate in student recruitment, retention, and outreach efforts, and engage in service to the department, the School of Engineering, and the University. The candidate is also expected to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students in advancing the educational mission and strategic goals of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Engineering.

This is a full-time non-tenure track position subject to renewal as defined in the Widener University Faculty Handbook.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to) :

Essential duties:

• Teach undergraduate courses in Mechanical Engineering and related engineering disciplines.
• Teach foundational engineering courses such as Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Deformable Bodies, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), as assigned.
• Develop and deliver high-quality instruction using effective and inclusive teaching practices.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students on academic and professional development.
• Supervise and mentor Mechanical Engineering Senior Design (Capstone) projects.
• Contribute to ABET assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement activities, including course assessment and documentation.
• Participate in student recruitment, retention, outreach, and other initiatives that support enrollment growth and student success.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to support the educational mission and strategic goals of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Engineering.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Participate in faculty governance and serve on departmental, school, and university committees, as appropriate.
• Attend and actively participate in department meetings, school meetings, commencement, open houses, and other academic and university events.
• Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of a visiting faculty appointment, as assigned by the Department Chair or Dean.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required)

Required:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated teaching ability in mechanical engineering courses.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse academic environment.

Preferred:

• Experience in advising students.
• Experience with industrial collaboration at university setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support events and organizational activities.
• Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to communicate effectively by telephone and respond to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Ability to move between offices, floors, and campus buildings.

Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D