Job Details

Overview

Assistant Professor - Tenure Track Mechatronics - AY 26/27 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). Two open, full-time, academic-year, tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and masters level courses in mechanical engineering/mechatronics.
• Support and expand curricular development in mechatronics, system dynamics, and controls.
• Pursue scholarly research with undergraduate and masters students in the candidates area of interest.
• Provide service to the department, the university, and the community.
• Engage in scholarly work of high quality as part of a teacher-scholar model and participate in collaborative, multidisciplinary activities.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 $117,000 per year. Cal Poly offers a range of benefits for faculty; details at the university site.

Required Qualifications

• An 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 (ABD considered, but must have the doctorate awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment).
• Excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to work with diverse student and staff populations.
• Ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching; ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.
• Strong written and oral English communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• University-level teaching and research experience; laboratory-based instruction.
• Industry experience; experience working with diverse populations and promoting inclusive environments.
• Experience with embedded systems.
• Excellence in teaching and research (time-since-degree dependent).
• Experience with multiple coding languages (e.g., assembly, C/C++, Python).
• Broad experience in mechanical engineering and supervising undergraduate research.

How to Apply

Application materials should include: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy; (4) statement of goals/plans for research; (5) unofficial transcripts; (6) three professional references with emails. Finalists will be asked for 3 letters of reference. Official transcripts required prior to appointment.

For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered.

Starting Date

September 2026.

Equal Opportunity

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT: Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected statuses, and we support inclusive excellence in education and employment. See the universitys equal opportunity policies for details.