Job Details

Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Mechanical System Design - AY 26/27

Join to apply for the Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Mechanical System Design - AY 26/27 role at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Overview

Cal Poly emphasizes a "Learn by Doing" philosophy. The successful candidate will teach a variety of mechanical design and solid mechanics courses to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings. Additional responsibilities include advising students, participating in university service activities, and conducting applied research in mechanical engineering. Outcomes assessment and Learn by Doing are important components of Cal Polys curriculum. Specific assignments will depend on department and program needs. The candidate may have a background in design theory, mechanics or manufacturing and is expected to teach in the general areas of mechanics, mechanical design and/or design theory. Faculty are expected to engage in scholarly work of high quality and participate in service activities across the University.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of mechanical design and solid mechanics courses to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings.
• Advise students and participate in university service activities.
• Conduct applied or fundamental research in mechanical engineering with emphasis on hands-on, student-centered learning.
• Contribute to outcomes assessment and the Learn by Doing framework within the curriculum.

Qualifications

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent. ABD candidates will be considered if they provide evidence that the doctorate will be awarded by the start of appointment.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work with a diverse student body.
• Ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students and partnerships with stakeholders.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and a commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Preferred: specialization in design communication, data-driven design decisions, AI-assisted design, or interdisciplinary activities in system engineering and mechanical or human-centered design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research.
• Experience with laboratory-based instruction and/or industry experience.
• Commitment to inclusive excellence and working with diverse populations.

Areas of Emphasis for the Department Include

• Senior design project leadership, mechanical design, solid mechanics, design for strength and stiffness, and mechanical system design.
• Active engagement in scholarship and professional development.
• Strong knowledge of industry design practices and modern design/analysis tools.
• Willingness to teach across the undergraduate and graduate curriculum.

Salary and Application

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 $117,000 per year. The starting date for this position is September 2026. For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: October 13, 2025.

How to Apply

• Provide a cover letter detailing qualifications and interest.
• Current CV.
• Statement of teaching philosophy.
• Statement of goals and plans for research.
• Unofficial transcripts.
• Three professional references with names and email addresses (finalists must provide three letters of reference).
• Official transcripts required prior to appointment for final consideration.

Equal Opportunity

Cal Poly is an equal opportunity and non-discrimination employer. The university complies with Title VI, Title IX, ADA, Section 504, and related laws. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Cal Poly provides a range of faculty benefits. More information is available at the campus benefits site.

Additional Information

• Cal Poly cares about a safe, inclusive campus and a tobacco-free environment.
• CSU policy restricts employment to within California for CSU-related work.
• Mandatory background checks apply after conditional offers of employment.

For questions, please contact John Chen, Acting Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering, via ...@calpoly.edu.