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

Cal Poly•Vallejo, CA

28d•Onsite

About The Position

The Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) Program in the College of Engineering at the Cal Poly Solano Campus of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank beginning approximately August 12, 2027. The rank at hire will be commensurate with the experience and education of the successful candidate. Cal Poly emphasizes a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and a teacher-scholar model, preparing graduates to make an impact from day one. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing this new major, contributing to undergraduate education, applied research, workforce development, grant-funded projects, and strategic partnerships with industry and government agencies. This role offers opportunities for cross-disciplinary initiatives and expanding Cal Poly's leadership in maritime innovation. Faculty are expected to engage in high-quality scholarly work, service activities, and possess strong pedagogic skills. The position involves teaching undergraduate courses, developing new courses, advising student projects, integrating experiential learning, and participating in curriculum assessment and accreditation. Research activities include establishing an applied research program, pursuing external funding, and publishing scholarly work. Workforce development and industry engagement are key, involving liaison activities, partnership development, supporting training initiatives, and facilitating student internships. Student success and mentorship are also crucial, including advising, supporting student participation in professional activities, and promoting inclusive teaching practices. Service and leadership involve committee participation, strategic planning, and outreach activities.

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 for appointment. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
Demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills.
Must have the ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

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, 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 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Develop and deliver courses in areas such as: Ship Design, Ship Propulsion, Ship Resistance, Marine Structures, Hydrodynamics, Stability and Seakeeping, Marine Engineering Systems, Computational Ship Design, Digital Shipbuilding Technologies, 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 supporting 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, 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.