Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering + AI

The Pennsylvania State University • Harrisburg, PA

11d

About The Position

Artificial Intelligence Positions at Penn State Harrisburg : Penn State University Harrisburg is aiming to hire multiple tenure-track positions for an exciting opportunity as part of a bold cluster of hires with a primary focus on Artificial Intelligence across the School of Humanities, the School of Business, and the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology, including the position below. These faculty will complement a strong cohort of existing faculty in AI and many more whose work leverages AI to advance teaching and research; and supports the launch of the B.S. in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2026. Position: Assistant Professor, Mechanical Manufacturing + AI Position Summary: Mechanical and manufacturing engineering is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) through automation, design optimization, predictive maintenance, quality control, and many other enhancements with use of AI to produce more efficient manufacturing processes. As a part of cluster hire, this tenure-track position will play a leading role in transformation of manufacturing courses and research within the Mechanical Engineering program at Penn State Harrisburg through cutting-edge knowledge of AI and ML use in mechanical and manufacturing engineering and a commitment to teaching, research, and service. The successful candidate will contribute to our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students, foster robust, collaborative research, and engage in service activities supporting institutional goals.

Requirements

• Education: Candidates must have a doctoral degree by August 2026 in Mechanical Engineering, construction engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field.
• Expertise: The successful candidate will have a background in mechanical engineering with emphasis on the use of AI, machine learning and/or other advanced technologies to address the challenges of smart manufacturing and/or Industry 4.0.

Responsibilities

• Teaching: The candidate will be expected to teach 6 credit hours per semester for the first two years and 9 credits per semester after the 2nd year. Teaching assignments may be reduced based on research productivity. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate courses in Mechanical Engineering. Relevant topics may include but are not limited to modern manufacturing, automation, robotics, control and/or Human-System integration/interface (including Virtual/Augmented Reality). Faculty will be expected to teach in both the residential BS in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology and MS degree programs in Mechanical Engineering. Faculty also may be asked to offer courses in the engineering PhD program. Faculty also will be expected to participate in recruitment and retention activities, advise both undergraduate and graduate students, and supervise graduate student culminating experiences.
• Research: The candidate will contribute to our growing emphasis on smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0/5.0, internet of things (IoT) and/or sustainability. This role will focus on AI-driven solutions in Industry 4.0/5.0, with emphasis on manufacturing process automation and optimization. The successful candidate will have opportunities to support ongoing initiatives and develop new initiatives in smart manufacturing, digital factories, intelligent systems, robotics and/or automation including human-system interfaces, energy and infrastructure, and sustainability. Collaboration across engineering, computer science, and environmental science and engineering disciplines is encouraged to advance manufacturing in the 21st century.
• Service: Faculty are expected to serve on committees at the department, school, and college level so that the mission of the college and university are advanced. Professional service activities are supported and expected by all faculty. Faculty are also expected to actively promote and advance the school’s steadfast commitment to inclusive education and improve the range of voices in STEM to their professional and the regional community of south-central Pennsylvania.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees