Department Chair, Computer Systems Engineering Technology

Overview

Department Chair, Computer Systems Engineering Technology

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.

Oregon Tech strongly recognizes and believes that a diverse and inclusive academic environment fosters mutual understanding, interpersonal and individual respect, cultural awareness, harmony, and creativity, while providing necessary role models for all students. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive university requires that no person experience discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression or any other protected personal characteristic.

We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who actively demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Lead Exec is partnering with Oregon Institute of Technology in this national search. For inquiries, nominations, applications, and confidential conversations, please contact:

Lisa J. Marks, Founder & CEO
Heather Dobberstein, Senior Search Consultant

This position is open until filled but only applications received by Thursday, December 11, 2025 can be assured full consideration. Applications should include a detailed letter of interest and a current curriculum vitae/resume.

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