Chair Department of Mechanical Engineering

Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About Us
The Mechanical Engineering program at Kennesaw State University (KSU) is among the largest in the college and the nation. Located on two metro-Atlanta campuses (Kennesaw and Marietta), KSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 50,000 students. The university emphasizes high-impact research, hands-on, project-based learning, and professional preparation. KSU is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2) and is committed to equity, integrity, and academic excellence.

Location
Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144; our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Department Information
The Mechanical Engineering program offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with thriving minors in Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering. The department emphasizes hands-on learning, undergraduate research, industry partnerships, and state-of-the-art laboratories to prepare students for diverse engineering careers.

Key Highlights

• Hands-On Learning:
  Project-based curriculum and senior design projects that foster practical skills.
• Job-Ready Curriculum:
  Emphasis on professional development and modern laboratories.
• Broad Career Paths: ABET-accredited program with opportunities in Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering.
• Dedicated Faculty:
  Researchers in areas such as self-assembled materials, bioengineering technology, soft robotics, and green energy.
• Engaged Student Community:
  Active participation in national competitions, professional societies, internships, and research initiatives.

Job Summary
Kennesaw State University is accepting applications for a tenured Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, with a preferred start date of July 1, 2026. This is a twelve-month contracted, state of Georgia-based position.

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Dean of the College, the Chair will guide the department in advancing strategic priorities, including faculty development, research growth, industry engagement, and student success. The Chair will advocate for the department within the university and with external partners, ensuring excellence in academic programs and operations. The ideal candidate is a visionary, collaborative leader with a distinguished teaching and research record, demonstrated administrative experience, and a commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Shape and guide the department as part of the College administrative leadership team.
• Oversee undergraduate and graduate academic programs, curriculum development, and accreditation efforts.
• Promote and support high-impact research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Manage departmental resources, budgeting, and personnel matters.
• Lead faculty recruitment, retention, mentoring, and development.
• Strengthen relationships with industry partners, alumni, and funding agencies.
• Represent the department within the college, university, and broader communities.
• Foster shared governance and transparency; lead faculty development and evaluation.

Teaching assignments will be based on earned degrees and SACSCOC Faculty Credentials Guidelines.

Required Qualifications
Terminal degree, or foreign equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with credentials to be tenured full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KSU at time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong teamwork, ethical behavior, and collaboration with faculty, administrators, staff, and students.
• Ability to develop and implement a strategic vision.
• Evidence of a successful scholarship program and grant activity (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOD, DOE, NASA).
• Academic administration and leadership experience.
• Mentoring junior faculty; industry experience and/or Professional Engineering licensure.
• Experience with shared governance, student advocacy, and program assessment/ accreditation.
• Experience with graduate program development and recruitment; involvement in professional organizations at various levels.

Required Documents to Attach

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research/Scholarship Interests
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Leadership Philosophy
• Unofficial Transcripts (official upon hire)
• Names and contact information for at least 5 references

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately; for full consideration, apply by January 9, 2026.

Contact Information
For questions, contact Sohyung Cho at scho
28 or . For technical assistance completing a job application, contact the Shared Services Center at  or support. For general faculty job inquiries, email faculty jobs.

EEO and Background
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The university prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic…