Professor of Practice - General Engineering/Mechanical Engineering

University of Mississippi • Oxford, MS

84d

About The Position

The University of Mississippi invites applications for a Professor of Practice (open rank) in Product Realization with a joint appointment in the General Engineering program and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This position reflects the university's growing emphasis on connecting design, materials, and manufacturing processes with real-world product realization. The successful candidate will develop and deliver innovative undergraduate courses and labs that bridge the gap between design intent and manufacturability. Instruction will cover both fundamental and advanced manufacturing processes, including machining, casting, molding, thermoforming, sheet metal forming, additive manufacturing, digital fabrication, prototyping, and process control. Preference will be given to candidates with significant industry experience in aerospace, automotive, energy, or related advanced manufacturing sectors. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to translate professional expertise into hands-on learning environments, preparing graduates for leadership roles in modern manufacturing. In addition to teaching, the faculty member will have the opportunity to serve as faculty advisor for student competition teams such as Formula SAE, Formula SAE Electric, or Baja SAE, supporting experiential learning that reinforces technical knowledge with teamwork, problem-solving, and product development skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in the aerospace, automotive, or related manufacturing industries with a focus on manufacturing processes and process control.
• Proven experience in teaching or mentoring in academic or professional settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a multidisciplinary engineering student body.

Nice To Haves

• Experience collaborating with business or manufacturing management programs.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary teaching approaches integrating engineering and business practices.
• Prior involvement with or advising of competitive engineering design teams, particularly SAE competition teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach courses in Product Realization covering topics such as design-for-manufacture, prototyping, material selection, tolerance and quality considerations, sustainability.
• Teach fundamentals of manufacturing including machining, casting, molding, thermoforming, sheet metal forming, additive manufacturing, and electronics assembly.
• Oversee hands-on labs and design-build projects, emphasizing iteration, systems-level thinking, and data-driven decision-making.
• Mentor students in manufacturing and product development pathways.
• Advise competitive student design teams (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, etc.).
• Provide students with real-world project opportunities through industry-sponsored collaborations.
• Build partnerships with regional and national manufacturers 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 Schools of Accountancy, Business, Engineering, and the Center for Manufacturing Excellence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree