Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering

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Faculty

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The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Kentucky University seeks to fill a nine-month, tenure-eligible faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Program. The position is expected to begin August 17, 2026. Depending on circumstances, it may be possible to begin in January 2026. WKU is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity in undergraduate engineering education and professional engagement with regional industry.

For a tenure-eligible Assistant Professor position, the areas of priority and specialization include thermo-fluids and mechanical systems. However, candidates from other related areas will also be considered.

The ideal candidate will be able to guide students on projects and will have a strong interest in creating and expanding existing external collaborations, including performing applied research on meaningful industry-sponsored projects and participating in multi-disciplinary faculty initiatives. The ideal candidate will have the ability to teach across the mechanical engineering curriculum and offer specialized electives in their area of expertise.

The ABET accredited, baccalaureate-only mechanical engineering program integrates project-based design experiences throughout the curriculum, with all faculty contributing to this effort. The program is committed to producing graduates who are well prepared for the start of productive, successful careers as engineers.

Academic and professional mentoring of students, as well as service activities at all levels of the university are expected. In addition to pedagogical contributions, the successful candidate will be expected to develop a scholarly program with appropriate student engagement.

Candidates with relevant professional engineering experience are encouraged to apply and must be capable and willing to fully participate in the project-based learning environment and be dedicated to excellence in teaching. The responsibilities of this position include teaching, developing and maintaining professional applied scholarship in area of expertise, advising, and service that are to be conducted within the context of the University, School, and Program Mission Statements.

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Promotion, Tenure, and Post-Tenure Review policies describe the professional and academic qualifications necessary for our program.

The successful candidate must be committed to helping undergraduate students grow into engineers and be dedicated to working in the labs and design centers on projects with students consistently. All engineering faculty must obtain and then maintain professional engineering licensure in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Job Requirements:

* Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering or closely related with specialization to include thermo-fluids, mechanical systems or a related area of study.

* A professional engineering license in the Commonwealth of Kentucky or the ability to obtain professional engineering licensure prior to application for tenure and/or promotion.

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission…