Assistant Professor - Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering - AY26/27

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

63d•$106,000 - $117,000

About The Position

The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) is excited to invite applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026. Cal Poly has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and focused on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. Cal Poly is committed to the teacher-scholar model. As teachers, faculty are expected to exhibit strong pedagogic skills and to remain proficient and current in their disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses at the undergraduate and master's levels in both industrial and manufacturing engineering, contribute to and expand curricular development, and advise undergraduate and graduate students on research and project activities. As scholars, faculty should be engaged in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review. As colleagues, faculty are encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University. We are seeking candidates with teaching and research interests in the broad areas of industrial and manufacturing engineering, with particular emphasis on (but not limited to): (1) AI-enabled modeling and design for manufacturing or healthcare systems; (2) automation and robotics; and (3) digital twins or digital/smart manufacturing. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives with other departments, colleges, and industry partners, and to contribute to the development and enhancement of laboratory facilities that support both teaching and research. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 - $117,000 per year. The College of Engineering at Cal Poly is committed to building a faculty of teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We believe that individuals from broad backgrounds strengthen our programs and positively impact student success. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for consideration. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, which involves extensive lab work and projects in support of theoretical knowledge. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT As a premier comprehensive polytechnic university, Cal Poly is ranked as the best public master's university in the western U.S., while its Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering program is also ranked as one of the best public master's level programs in the United States. The program has a strong focus on undergraduate and masters level education through a laboratory intensive, hands-on curriculum. The 30+ tenured, tenure-track, and lecturer/adjunct faculty in the department are dedicated engineers with a passion for teaching, innovative applied research, interacting with students, and advising student club activities. Our "learn by doing" philosophy (https://www.calpoly.edu/learn-by-doing) is emphasized in the curriculum by the large number of design-centered laboratories, integrating design throughout the curriculum, and the senior project capstone design experience. These prepare graduates for careers in operations management, production planning and scheduling, facility design, human factors design, data analysis and decision-making, quality control and reliability, economic and resource planning, and process improvement. For more information about the department, please visit: http://ime.calpoly.edu. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all. Cal Poly provides a range of benefits for our faculty which can be found at https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/benefits/. Cal Poly is family friendly, offering parental leave, educational fee waivers, childcare pre-tax benefits, and an on-campus children's center (https://www.asi.calpoly.edu/childrens-center/).

Requirements

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, materials 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.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills and 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, as well as 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

Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated excellence in university level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), experience with laboratory-based instruction, and/or industry experience.
Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

teach courses at the undergraduate and master's levels in both industrial and manufacturing engineering
contribute to and expand curricular development
advise undergraduate and graduate students on research and project activities
engage in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review
perform service activities at all levels of the University
engage in interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives with other departments, colleges, and industry partners
contribute to the development and enhancement of laboratory facilities that support both teaching and research

Benefits

Cal Poly provides a range of benefits for our faculty which can be found at https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/benefits/.
Cal Poly is family friendly, offering parental leave, educational fee waivers, childcare pre-tax benefits, and an on-campus children's center (https://www.asi.calpoly.edu/childrens-center/).

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