Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering (AA28005)

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities•Mankato, MN

About The Position

Minnesota State University, Mankato is hiring a tenure-track (probationary) Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, with expertise in robotics, control, and instrumentation. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses, maintain instructional laboratories and experiments, engage students in practical educational and research activities, and advise and mentor students. Courses may include control, robotics, numerical methods, solid mechanics, design laboratory courses, and other fundamental courses as needed by the department. The role includes collaborating with colleagues on curriculum design, instruction, and evaluation; conducting productive research and mentoring students in research; contributing to recruitment, retention, and completion initiatives; and potentially developing external grant funding opportunities. Faculty members also participate in scholarly or creative activity, continuing preparation and study, student development, and service to the university and community. Departmental service may include program assessment, prospective-student engagement, and work with student organizations. The expected start date is August 16, 2027. A typical faculty workload may include up to 24 instructional credits per academic year. The successful candidate may teach other courses as assigned and qualified, and may be expected to deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and online instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at additional university locations. Employment is covered by the Inter Faculty Organization collective bargaining agreement. The university may be able to provide employment visa sponsorship for qualified candidates, subject to USCIS guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
Demonstrated expertise in robotics, control, and instrumentation.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in mechanical systems control, robotics, and instrumentation, demonstrated through a strong record of scholarly research, peer-reviewed journal publications, and professional conference presentations in these areas.
Prior industrial experience applying control and robotics.
Demonstrated commitment to active learning and to developing innovative ways to support learning.
Demonstrated potential for research, creativity, or scholarly activity in mechanical systems control, robotics, and instrumentation.
Current Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or demonstrated potential to obtain PE licensure.
Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment while working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses, particularly in control, robotics, and instrumentation, as well as other courses assigned according to departmental needs and the candidate’s qualifications.
Maintain laboratories and experiments for instruction in relevant areas and fundamental courses.
Engage students in practical educational and research activities.
Advise, develop, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, including mentoring students in research.
Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum design, instruction, and evaluation.
Conduct productive research and engage in scholarly or creative activity.
Contribute to student growth and development through continuing preparation and study.
Participate in departmental, university, and community service, including program assessment, prospective-student engagement, and work with student organizations.
Help develop strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion.
Develop external grant funding opportunities as may be expected.
Deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and online instruction at locations assigned by the university.
Work safely, complete required safety training, and perform tasks in accordance with university policies and procedures using appropriate tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.

Benefits

Low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a rollover option.
Confidential Employee Assistance Program for mental health, legal, and financial counseling.
12 paid holidays.
Generous vacation and sick time.
Six weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and other investment options.
Professional development opportunities.
Tuition waivers for employees and their dependents.