Job Details

Overview

Assistant Professor - Tenure Track Mechatronics - AY 26/27

The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) invites applications for two full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Cal Poly emphasizes a Learn by Doing philosophy and a teacher-scholar model. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and master's level courses, support and expand curricular development in mechatronics, system dynamics, and controls; pursue research with undergraduate and master's students; and provide service to the department, the university, and the community. The department focuses on hardware-software interaction and electro-mechanical systems, and values high-quality scholarly work evidenced by external peer review. Faculty are encouraged to engage in service activities at all levels of the university.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 - $117,000 per year. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and master's-level courses in mechatronics and related areas.
• Develop and expand curricular offerings in mechatronics, system dynamics, and controls.
• Pursue scholarly research with undergraduate and masters students and engage in externally funded, applied research programs.
• Provide service to the department, the university, and the community.
• Engage in teaching, scholarship, and service activities consistent with a teacher-scholar model and the Learn by Doing philosophy.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering in the general area of mechatronics or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent. Candidates nearing completion (ABD) will be considered but must show that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and effective communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to develop and sustain an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students; experience with hands-on, student-centered learning; ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary settings; strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with university-level teaching and research; laboratory-based instruction; and/or industry experience.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Additional qualifications may include: embedded systems experience; multiple coding languages (e.g., assembly, C/C++, Python); broad experience in mechanical engineering; experience with undergraduate research; industry experience as a practicing engineer.

Special Conditions

The position is subject to a mandated reporter policy under relevant child abuse and neglect reporting laws and CSU Executive Order 1083. A background check will be conducted after a conditional offer of employment. Some positions may require additional background checks, and there are policies related to health, safety, and immigration that applicants should review.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy; (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) copy of unofficial transcripts; and (6) three professional references with names and emails. Finalists will be asked to provide three letters of reference and official transcripts prior to appointment. For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered.

For questions, contact the Acting Chair of Mechanical Engineering, via the provided contact address in the posting.

Equal Opportunity

Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusive excellence in education and employment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and comply with applicable laws and CSU policies regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity.