Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

66d

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a non-tenure track Professor of Practice faculty position (Assistant/Associate) with expertise in advanced manufacturing to support our continual growth in this area and to support the newly established VT MADE center for advanced manufacturing. The position will be effective August 2026. We seek candidates that have a wide range of experience with additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, robotic systems and their use in advanced manufacturing, material characterization (X-ray CT, mechanical testing, microscopy, etc.), and other relevant processes (welding, forming, etc.). This individual will assist in the coordination of the advanced manufacturing activities within the VT MADE center and will be the lead for an advanced manufacturing experiential learning and research space in our new Mitchell Hall which is currently under construction on the Virginia Tech campus. This will include training and assisting graduate students with the operation of various equipment, mentoring undergraduate student teams, contributing to industry training workshops, supporting research efforts, and the possibility of classroom instruction. We seek candidates motivated to contribute to a collegial, interdisciplinary Mechanical Engineering Department with a strong tradition of fundamental and applied research.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in experimental advanced manufacturing.
• Strong record of academic and professional accomplishments.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively.
• Prior experience leading interdisciplinary research projects in academia or industry.
• Strong professional experience with industrial partners in advanced manufacturing.
• Commitment to mentoring and advising student-led research.
• Ability to be an effective instructor in various settings including laboratory focused group projects and classroom instruction.
• Willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries while training the next generation of engineers.

Nice To Haves

• PhD degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination of advanced manufacturing activities within the VT MADE center.
• Lead an advanced manufacturing experiential learning and research space in Mitchell Hall.
• Train and assist graduate students with the operation of various equipment.
• Mentor undergraduate student teams.
• Contribute to industry training workshops.
• Support research efforts.
• Possibility of classroom instruction.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities.
• Participation in university shared governance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree