Assistant/Associate Professor of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering - AY 27/28

Cal Poly•Vallejo, CA

29d•$106,000 - $126,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) Program in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), Cal Poly Solano Campus, seeks a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank. The appointment is expected to begin approximately August 12, 2027; rank will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and education. The faculty member will help develop the new NAME major and contribute to undergraduate education, applied research, workforce development, grant-funded projects, and partnerships with maritime and engineering organizations. Cal Poly follows a teacher-scholar model and emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning through its “Learn by Doing” philosophy. The position combines teaching and curriculum development with applied research, sponsored programs, student mentorship, industry engagement, and university service. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in naval architecture and marine engineering; develop courses and experiential learning opportunities; advise senior design and capstone projects; and participate in curriculum assessment, continuous improvement, and accreditation. They will establish an active applied research program, pursue external funding, and publish scholarly and technical work. The role also includes building relationships with maritime stakeholders, supporting workforce training and student industry experiences, advising students, and contributing to program development and university activities. The NAME Program is a new program in development within the Engineering Technology Department in the College of Engineering at the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo, California. The department has roughly 150 undergraduate students and offers Marine Engineering Technology and Facilities Engineering Technology degree programs. Tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence. The position is subject to a satisfactory background check and includes mandated reporter responsibilities under California law.

Requirements

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate will be awarded by the appointment start.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, staff, and faculty.
Ability to develop an externally funded applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary settings.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.
Compliance with mandated reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083.
Successful completion of a background check before starting work.
Ability to establish an on-campus presence in California; CSU-related work may not be performed outside California.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in ship design, shipbuilding, offshore engineering, marine systems, or related maritime industries.
Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility.
Experience securing and managing sponsored research projects.
Expertise in one or more of the following: ship structures, hydrodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, marine renewable energy, autonomous marine systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics, digital shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, or maritime sustainability.
Experience collaborating with government agencies, shipyards, or maritime industry partners.
Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Industry experience; qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Develop and deliver courses in ship design, ship propulsion, ship resistance, marine structures, hydrodynamics, stability and seakeeping, marine engineering systems, computational ship design, digital shipbuilding technologies, and autonomous and smart marine systems.
Advise senior design and capstone projects.
Integrate experiential learning, laboratories, simulation, and project-based instruction into coursework.
Participate in curriculum assessment, continuous improvement, and accreditation activities.
Establish and maintain an active program of applied research and scholarly activity.
Pursue external funding opportunities from federal agencies, industry partners, foundations, and state organizations.
Develop research initiatives in areas such as shipbuilding modernization, advanced manufacturing, maritime sustainability, marine robotics and autonomous boats, artificial intelligence applications in ship design, offshore wind and renewable energy systems, maritime cybersecurity, and digital twins and simulation technologies.
Publish scholarly and technical work in peer-reviewed venues and industry publications.
Serve as a liaison between academia and the maritime industry.
Develop partnerships with shipyards, vessel operators, classification societies, naval organizations, and government agencies.
Support workforce training, professional development programs, and continuing education initiatives.
Collaborate with regional, state, and national maritime workforce development efforts.
Facilitate student internships, cooperative education experiences, and industry-sponsored projects.
Mentor and advise undergraduate students.
Support student participation in professional societies, competitions, and research activities.
Promote student success through inclusive and engaging teaching practices.
Encourage participation in interdisciplinary design and innovation projects.
Participate in department, college, and university committees.
Contribute to strategic planning and program development.
Support recruitment, retention, and outreach activities.
Represent the university in professional organizations and industry forums.