Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering - Mechatronics

CSU Careers•San José, CA

3d•$101,000 - $124,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at San José State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in mechatronics. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate students, develop an independent externally funded research agenda, publish peer-reviewed work, and participate in professional conferences. The role also involves contributing to the interdisciplinary strengths, facilities, and industry partnerships of SJSU’s mechatronics programs. The position supports teaching and research in areas such as robotics, control systems, automation, physical AI, sensors, embedded systems, and human–machine interfaces. The department offers hands-on laboratories and programs in robotics and mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, thermal and energy systems, and mechanical design, with opportunities for applied research and industry collaboration in Silicon Valley. The candidate will support student success through inclusive teaching, advising, and mentorship for students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, identities, and levels of academic preparation. The position includes shared governance and service, use of a university-supported learning management system, and compliance with accessibility requirements. The work must be performed in California and requires an on-campus presence, US residence, and eligibility to work in the United States. Employment is contingent on satisfactory background and reference checks. The anticipated annual salary range is $101,000–$124,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank. The target start date is August 1, 2027. Applications are accepted until December 31, 2026, or until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Requirements

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering field by the time of appointment.
Ability to teach and develop undergraduate and graduate courses in dynamics, robotics, mechatronics, and control systems.
Demonstrated ability to conduct research in mechatronics or a closely related field.
Awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially, culturally, and economically diverse student population, demonstrated through cross-cultural study, training, teaching, or comparable experience.
Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
Potential for excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and hardware laboratory settings.
Ability to develop an independent, externally funded research agenda, publish peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, and present at professional conferences.
Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary programs and industry partnerships.

Nice To Haves

Strong record of peer-reviewed publication.
Experience or demonstrated interest in effective teaching and pedagogical methods.
Experience with extramural research funding proposals.
Experience with industry collaboration, especially related to mechatronics.
Experience supervising undergraduate and/or graduate students.
Experience leading or contributing to interdisciplinary projects in collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

Teach and develop undergraduate and graduate courses in mechatronics and related fields, including course preparation, assessment of learning outcomes, and continuous improvement of instructional methods.
Conduct research, publish results in peer-reviewed venues, pursue external funding, and supervise student research.
Collaborate with SJSU faculty, other universities, and/or industry partners on research and funding opportunities related to robotics, mechatronics, and physical AI.
Participate in shared governance and professional service at the department, college, university, and professional levels.
Organize courses and course materials in a university-supported learning management system and comply with university-mandated accessibility requirements.
Support student success through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, advising, and mentorship that address students’ diverse backgrounds, abilities, identities, and levels of academic preparation.
Contribute to the interdisciplinary strengths, infrastructure, and industry partnerships of SJSU’s mechatronics programs.
Complete required employee training and, where applicable, mandated reporter and Campus Security Authority obligations.