Department Chair, Computer Systems Engineering Technology

Oregon Institute of Technology•Klamath Falls, OR

69d

About The Position

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech), the state's only public polytechnic university, invites nominations and applications for the position of Department Chair, Computer Systems Engineering Technology (CSET) within the College of Engineering, Technology and Management (ETM). This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a cornerstone department at the intersection of technology, innovation, and applied learning. As Oregon's Polytechnic University, Oregon Tech prepares graduates who excel where theory meets practice. The College of Engineering, Technology and Management embodies that mission through hands-on, industry-integrated education. ETM serves more than 1,400 students across campuses in Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro, achieving a 96% placement rate and one of the university's highest retention levels. The College continues to grow in enrollment, research, and partnerships, expanding opportunities for applied discovery across the Pacific Northwest. Within this environment, the Computer Systems Engineering Technology Department integrates three high-demand disciplines - Computer Engineering Technology, Embedded Systems Engineering Technology, and Software Engineering Technology - through a common first-year experience that allows exploration before specialization. CSET graduates learn to design and optimize the hardware and software that define modern life, from embedded systems and consumer electronics to enterprise software. Oregon Tech alumni join leading companies such as Intel, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Boeing. CSET is entering an exciting new era. The next Chair will guide the department in modernizing curricula, expanding partnerships, and positioning Oregon Tech as a regional leader in computing innovation. Current initiatives include advancing assessment and program quality in preparation for the 2026-27 ABET-ETAC accreditation review and enhancing laboratory and experiential learning resources through industry collaboration. The Chair will have the opportunity to shape growth across two campuses, mentor and recruit faculty, and deepen connections with industry partners to support student success and applied research. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, student-centered academic leader who brings technical credibility, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to translate vision into measurable results. The successful candidate will join a college distinguished by its collegial culture, hands-on pedagogy, growing research opportunities, and a commitment to advancing technologies that improve the human condition. At Oregon Tech, the opportunity of place and purpose is tangible - an environment where learning is applied, discovery drives innovation, and leadership carries meaning. For the next Chair of Computer Systems Engineering Technology, it represents the chance to lead a flagship department at the heart of Oregon's Polytechnic University - where technology, creativity, and collaboration transform both individuals and communities.

Requirements

Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.
Credentials and experience must be commensurate with being hired at the rank of full professor with tenure. Appointment to this rank requires evidence of exceptional distinction by a combination of leadership, accompaniment, and service in scholarly, educational, and intellectual life of the university.
Demonstrated experience in academic leadership, program development, or administrative management in higher education.
Collaborative and transparent leadership style grounded in integrity, communication, and respect for shared governance.
Strong administrative and fiscal management abilities with an analytical, data-informed approach to decision-making.
Commitment to student-centered education and mentorship.
Proven ability to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Awareness of emerging technologies - including automation, digital integration, and artificial intelligence - and their relevance to engineering education.
Ability to represent the department effectively to internal and external constituencies, including alumni, industry partners, and professional organizations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ABET-ETAC accreditation and continuous improvement processes.
Evidence of success in curriculum modernization.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, and retain faculty and to lead multi-site or hybrid programs.
Experience building industry partnerships and fostering project-based or experiential learning.
History of externally funded projects or applied research initiatives.

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