Assistant Professor of Practice

University of Mississippi•University, MS

About The Position

The University of Mississippi invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice in Product Realization in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The position focuses on connecting design, materials, manufacturing processes, and testing to transform concepts into products. The successful candidate will develop and deliver innovative undergraduate courses and labs that bridge design intent and manufacturability. Instruction will cover fundamental and advanced fabrication methods, including machining, casting, molding, thermoforming, sheet metal forming, additive manufacturing, digital fabrication, prototyping, and process control. Courses will be accessible to students across the School of Engineering. The role includes developing hands-on learning environments that prepare graduates for leadership in modern engineering firms. The candidate will integrate relevant industry practices in artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing, including data-driven process monitoring and control, predictive maintenance, machine vision for quality inspection, and digital twins. The position is not eligible for tenure.

Requirements

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
At least five years of professional experience in aerospace, automotive, or related manufacturing industries, focused on manufacturing processes and process control.
Proven experience teaching or mentoring in academic or professional settings.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with a multidisciplinary engineering student body.

Nice To Haves

Significant industry experience in aerospace, automotive, energy, or related advanced manufacturing sectors.
Experience collaborating with engineering design and product development programs.
Familiarity with interdisciplinary teaching approaches integrating engineering and business practices.
Industry experience applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, or advanced production technologies—such as Industry 4.0, connected sensors and IIoT, automation, and digital twins—to production environments.

Responsibilities

Develop and teach Product Realization courses emphasizing modern and digitally enabled engineering design and fabrication technologies.
Teach design-for-manufacture, prototyping, material selection, tolerance and quality considerations, and sustainability.
Teach fundamental manufacturing processes, including machining, casting, molding, forming, joining, and additive manufacturing, with attention to process selection, design, and cost, rate, and quality trade-offs.
Teach digital fabrication and automation topics, including Industry 4.0, connected machines and sensors (IIoT), robotics and automation, and digital twins of products and processes.
Teach AI and data-driven process control topics, including statistical process control, machine learning for process monitoring, predictive maintenance, machine vision inspection, and data-driven factory-floor decision-making.
Develop and oversee hands-on labs and design-build projects that reinforce course concepts and emphasize iterative design, testing and validation, systems-level thinking, and data-driven decision-making.
Mentor students in product realization pathways.
Provide students with real-world project opportunities through industry-sponsored collaborations.
Build partnerships with regional and national companies to provide internships, co-ops, and collaborative projects.
Incorporate guest lectures, case studies, and applied research opportunities with industry partners.
Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration with the Center for Manufacturing Excellence and other partners.