Assistant Professor of Automotive Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering #27-25

California State University, Northridge • Northridge, CA

19d

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in automotive engineering. The department is particularly interested in expertise in automotive systems, including one or more of vehicle dynamics, vehicle controls, autonomous vehicles, electric or hybrid powertrains, and automotive manufacturing. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and conduct research in automotive and mobility systems, with a specialization in experimental methodologies or computational analysis and simulation of complex models. The candidate is expected to develop and lead an active research program in areas such as advanced vehicle propulsion systems, the design and integration of complex automotive systems, or vehicle automation, and to pursue creative scholarship and externally funded research.

Teaching duties include classroom instruction and participation in or supervision of capstone design projects. The faculty member will supervise MS theses and provide academic and professional advisement to undergraduate and graduate students. The position also includes weekly office hours, faculty meetings, student-learning assessment, curriculum development, accreditation work, and service to the department, college, and university. Participation in professional and student organizations such as ASME, SAE, and AIAA is expected. The successful candidate will help advance equitable academic outcomes through teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and service, and should demonstrate experience or willingness to use evidence-based approaches that promote retention of students from culturally diverse backgrounds. Teaching may be scheduled on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and/or online.

The position is scheduled to begin August 19, 2027, subject to budgetary approval. The preferred application deadline is November 20, 2026; the position will remain open until filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching statement, diversity statement, and contact information for at least three referees through the CSUN online application. The anticipated hiring range is $100,000 to $110,000, dependent upon qualifications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution; ABD candidates may be considered, but the doctorate must be completed by the appointment date.
• Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution, or demonstrated equivalent preparation.
• Demonstrated experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, in person and/or online, in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics and control, machine design, manufacturing, or related fields.
• Demonstrated evidence of research in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics and control, machine design, manufacturing, or related fields.
• Research publications in the stated areas in peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings within the past three years.
• Specialization in either experimental methodologies or computational analysis and simulation of complex models.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of effective engagement with, or potential to engage with, a diverse student body.
• Experience using culturally responsive pedagogy that leads to equitable outcomes for all students.
• Experience creating a student-centered learning environment.
• Research or laboratory experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience adopting inclusive approaches to mentoring.
• Academic teaching or research experience at an ABET-accredited institution.
• Postdoctoral or industry experience.
• A record of receiving grant funding or potential to receive external funding from government agencies, private companies, and/or scientific societies.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in automotive engineering and related fields.
• Conduct research in automotive and mobility systems and develop and lead an active research program.
• Pursue creative scholarly activities and an externally funded research program.
• Participate in and/or supervise capstone student design projects.
• Supervise MS theses and provide academic and professional advisement to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participate in curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and other departmental activities.
• Participate in professional and student organizations, such as ASME, SAE, and AIAA.
• Use or pursue evidence-based approaches that promote retention and equitable academic outcomes for students from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Hold weekly office hours, attend faculty meetings, participate in assessment of student learning, and provide service to the department, college, and university.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree