Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Faculty - AY 26/27
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States
Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track 1
Locations
Central California
San Luis Obispo 1
Categories
Appointment Type
Bargaining Unit
Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Faculty - AY 26/27
Apply now
Job no:
552329
Work type:
Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location:
San Luis Obispo
Categories:
Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Engineering
Mechanical Engineering – Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) – AY 26/27
The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.
Cal Poly emphasizes a Learn by Doing approach and a teacher-scholar model. The successful candidate will teach a variety of courses within the mechanical engineering curriculum (e.g., thermo-fluids stem or mechanics stem) to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings. Responsibilities include advising students, participating in university service activities, and conducting applied research in mechanical engineering. Outcomes assessment and Learn by Doing are important components of Cal Poly’s curriculum. The candidate may have a specialization in areas such as biomechanics, heat transfer, energy systems or fracture mechanics, and will teach in the broader area around their specialization. Faculty are expected to engage in high-quality scholarly work and to contribute to service activities at all levels of the University.
*Note: the department also has searches in Mechatronics and Mechanical System Design. See Job Nos. 550311 (Mechatronics) or 550308 (Mechanical System Design) on the Cal Poly jobs site.
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 – $117,000 per year.
The College of Engineering at Cal Poly ist committed to building teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multidisciplinary and hands-on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, which involves extensive lab work and projects in support of theoretical knowledge.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has over 1,600 undergraduate students across two campuses (San Luis Obispo and Solano). This position is for the San Luis Obispo campus. The department is the largest at Cal Poly by student size, with nearly 80 faculty (tenured/tenure-track plus lecturers). The department oversees four machine shops and makerspaces and operates multiple labs to support the undergraduate curriculum. Faculty are active in various research areas with sponsored projects from government and industry.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. Cal Poly complies with Title VI and VII of Civil Rights Acts, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California Proposition 209, other anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory practices in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly fosters a diverse, inclusive community and supports open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. The university prioritizes inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs.
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required. Candidates nearing completion (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the degree was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and communication, and the ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty. Candidates must show the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students and partnerships with key stakeholders. Experience with hands-on, student-centered learning and collaborative, multidisciplinary work is required. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
This search focuses on either the thermo-fluids or mechanics stem of Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will teach a variety of courses to undergraduate and graduate students and will advise students, participate in university service, and conduct applied or fundamental research. Outcomes assessment and Learn by Doing are important components of Cal Poly’s curriculum.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research, experience with laboratory-based instruction, and/or industry experience. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment is preferred.
ADDITIONAL AREAS OF EMPHASIS FOR THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDE:
Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research.
Active engagement in scholarship and professional development.
Strong knowledge of industry practices.
Excellence in laboratory-based, hands-on instruction.
Willingness to teach in multiple areas of the undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering curriculum.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and complies with CSU policies.
Following a conditional offer, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before employment. Cal Poly may require official transcripts prior to appointment.
Please note: Current employees offered positions may undergo a background check as required by law or CSU policy. Sensitive positions require heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position.
Faculty applicants seeking permanent residency are responsible for immigration attorney costs.
Cal Poly is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We promote a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, CSU is a state entity; tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence in California. Subject to planning and approval, Cal Poly may transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time faculty may teach in two consecutive semesters, with potential for a third semester for additional compensation, subject to department needs and University policy.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, submit a required online faculty application with: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of goals and plans for research; (4) unofficial transcripts; (5) Universal Student Success Statement. Include three professional references with names and emails; finalists provide 3 letters of reference. Official transcripts may be requested prior to appointment.
Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university with a strong teacher-scholar model. Please describe your approach to teaching and learning, including evidence of inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, and how you will develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to these areas may be included.
Cal Poly may sponsor visas depending on institutional priorities and federal regulations.
For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date, December 1st. Questions may be directed to Dr. Kim Shollenberger, Chair of the Search Committee, via email at kshollen@calpoly.edu.
Advertised:
October 21, 2025 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Locations
Central California
San Luis Obispo 1
Categories
Appointment Type
Bargaining Unit
Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Faculty - AY 26/27
Apply now
Job no:
552329
Work type:
Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location:
San Luis Obispo
Categories:
Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Engineering
Mechanical Engineering – Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) – AY 26/27
The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.
Cal Poly emphasizes a Learn by Doing approach and a teacher-scholar model. The successful candidate will teach a variety of courses within the mechanical engineering curriculum (e.g., thermo-fluids stem or mechanics stem) to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings. Responsibilities include advising students, participating in university service activities, and conducting applied research in mechanical engineering. Outcomes assessment and Learn by Doing are important components of Cal Poly’s curriculum. The candidate may have a specialization in areas such as biomechanics, heat transfer, energy systems or fracture mechanics, and will teach in the broader area around their specialization. Faculty are expected to engage in high-quality scholarly work and to contribute to service activities at all levels of the University.
*Note: the department also has searches in Mechatronics and Mechanical System Design. See Job Nos. 550311 (Mechatronics) or 550308 (Mechanical System Design) on the Cal Poly jobs site.
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 – $117,000 per year.
The College of Engineering at Cal Poly ist committed to building teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multidisciplinary and hands-on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, which involves extensive lab work and projects in support of theoretical knowledge.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has over 1,600 undergraduate students across two campuses (San Luis Obispo and Solano). This position is for the San Luis Obispo campus. The department is the largest at Cal Poly by student size, with nearly 80 faculty (tenured/tenure-track plus lecturers). The department oversees four machine shops and makerspaces and operates multiple labs to support the undergraduate curriculum. Faculty are active in various research areas with sponsored projects from government and industry.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. Cal Poly complies with Title VI and VII of Civil Rights Acts, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California Proposition 209, other anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory practices in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly fosters a diverse, inclusive community and supports open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. The university prioritizes inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs.
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required. Candidates nearing completion (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the degree was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching and communication, and the ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty. Candidates must show the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students and partnerships with key stakeholders. Experience with hands-on, student-centered learning and collaborative, multidisciplinary work is required. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
This search focuses on either the thermo-fluids or mechanics stem of Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will teach a variety of courses to undergraduate and graduate students and will advise students, participate in university service, and conduct applied or fundamental research. Outcomes assessment and Learn by Doing are important components of Cal Poly’s curriculum.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research, experience with laboratory-based instruction, and/or industry experience. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment is preferred.
ADDITIONAL AREAS OF EMPHASIS FOR THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDE:
Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research.
Active engagement in scholarship and professional development.
Strong knowledge of industry practices.
Excellence in laboratory-based, hands-on instruction.
Willingness to teach in multiple areas of the undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering curriculum.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and complies with CSU policies.
Following a conditional offer, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before employment. Cal Poly may require official transcripts prior to appointment.
Please note: Current employees offered positions may undergo a background check as required by law or CSU policy. Sensitive positions require heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position.
Faculty applicants seeking permanent residency are responsible for immigration attorney costs.
Cal Poly is a smoke and tobacco-free campus. We promote a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, CSU is a state entity; tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence in California. Subject to planning and approval, Cal Poly may transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time faculty may teach in two consecutive semesters, with potential for a third semester for additional compensation, subject to department needs and University policy.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, submit a required online faculty application with: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of goals and plans for research; (4) unofficial transcripts; (5) Universal Student Success Statement. Include three professional references with names and emails; finalists provide 3 letters of reference. Official transcripts may be requested prior to appointment.
Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university with a strong teacher-scholar model. Please describe your approach to teaching and learning, including evidence of inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, and how you will develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to these areas may be included.
Cal Poly may sponsor visas depending on institutional priorities and federal regulations.
For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date, December 1st. Questions may be directed to Dr. Kim Shollenberger, Chair of the Search Committee, via email at kshollen@calpoly.edu.
Advertised:
October 21, 2025 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
#J-18808-Ljbffr