Professor of Practice

University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, invites applications for a full-time faculty position as the John J. Russell Endowed Professor of Practice, with the anticipated start date of August 2026. At UNM, FSAE is taught as a 3-semester course sequence, in which student teams conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small formula-style racing cars, culminating in a national competition hosted by SAE International in Michigan, each June. This non-tenure-track 9-month appointment emphasizes practice, mentorship, and program building alongside teaching and service. The appointee will: • Serve as the primary faculty mentor and technical director for FSAE, guiding end-to-end vehicle development: concept, design, systems integration, manufacturing, testing, competition logistics, and continuous improvement. • Teach practice-forward courses and labs (e.g., design/build/test, CAD/CAM, DFM/DFA, instrumentation, project management, safety) and contribute to capstone. • Build a robust safety culture and ensure compliance with university, shop, and competition regulations; maintain documentation, training, and risk assessments. • Cultivate partnerships with industry for sponsorships, mentoring, internships, and in-kind support; steward relationships with alumni and donors. • Advance student professional formation—leadership, teamwork, ethical practice, communication, and design review discipline—aligned with ABET outcomes. • Collaborate across departments (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Management) to support vehicle electrification, data acquisition, operations, and fundraising. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education offering B.S. (ABET accredited), M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs. A team of 19 full-time faculty, and several research and part-time faculty, support the activities of close to 700 undergraduate students and about 100 graduate students. We support both a strong core of mechanical engineering and interdisciplinary education that include aerospace, manufacturing, nano- and micro-systems, energy systems, and bio-mechanics. For further information about the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, see me.unm.edu. The University of New Mexico is the premier research university in the state of New Mexico. UNM is a Carnegie R1 Very High Research Activity Institution and a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution, with approximately 28,000 students on the main and branch campuses with about 3,000 students in the School of Engineering. Albuquerque is an ethnically diverse city and has been listed among the smartest U.S. cities and best places to relocate in America. The city has a rich culture and a location offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. The University is located within one hour of Santa Fe, and within minutes of the Sandia and Manzano mountain ranges, which offer great opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing and skiing. Applicants who are appointed to a UNM continuing faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM. For best consideration, complete applications must be received by January 31th, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. “On September 19, 2025, an Executive Proclamation was issued wherein, for certain H-1B sponsorships, employers would be required to submit a $100,000 payment in order for such sponsorships to be considered (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigran…). Due to budgetary constraints, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico is unable to consider candidates for this position who will require H-1B sponsorship for authorization to work in the United States and whose sponsorship requires submission of this payment as a requirement of sponsorship.”

Requirements

An earned MS (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field
5+ years of significant industry practice
Demonstrated mentoring of early-career engineers or students
Evidence of safe, high-reliability shop and test operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with FSAE or analogous competition
Record of fundraising/sponsorship development
Familiarity with electrified powertrains and functional safety
Professional licensure or relevant certifications
Demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university’s mission to serve local and global communities.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary faculty mentor and technical director for FSAE, guiding end-to-end vehicle development: concept, design, systems integration, manufacturing, testing, competition logistics, and continuous improvement.
Teach practice-forward courses and labs (e.g., design/build/test, CAD/CAM, DFM/DFA, instrumentation, project management, safety) and contribute to capstone.
Build a robust safety culture and ensure compliance with university, shop, and competition regulations; maintain documentation, training, and risk assessments.
Cultivate partnerships with industry for sponsorships, mentoring, internships, and in-kind support; steward relationships with alumni and donors.
Advance student professional formation—leadership, teamwork, ethical practice, communication, and design review discipline—aligned with ABET outcomes.
Collaborate across departments (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Management) to support vehicle electrification, data acquisition, operations, and fundraising.