Assistant​/Associate Professor - Industrial​/Manufacturing Engineering

Overview

Assistant/Associate Professor - Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering - #261097

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of scholarship plans, unofficial transcripts from highest degree earned, and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For questions or additional information please contact Dr.

Yang Zhang, search committee chair,  or .

Posting Number: FAC
889P

Quick Link for Internal Postings: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./32879

Classification

Title:

Assistant/Associate Professor

Working Title:

Assistant/Associate Professor - Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering - #261097

Department:
School of Engineering & Technology

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans; retirement plan contributions begin on eligibility date; optional disability plans are available.

Tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; access to campus facilities and wellness programs; paid holidays and leave benefits are included. WCU offers training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences, many of which are free of charge. WCU is part of the UNC system and is the westernmost campus in North Carolina. WCU emphasizes inclusive excellence and a welcoming community where all are respected and belong.

WCU is seeking faculty candidates in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline. The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. The College of Engineering and Technology (CET) at Western Carolina University (WCU) is growing. The University has received substantial support to expand engineering to meet regional and state needs. Our programs emphasize project-based learning, industry engagement, and preparation for professional practice and advanced study.

The opening is a nine-month tenure/tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor focused in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline. Summer opportunities for research, teaching, and other professional endeavors may be available. Rank will be determined  anticipated start date is August 2026. Successful candidates will be committed to teaching, scholarship, and professional service. Applied research engaging students, especially undergraduate students, is a hallmark of our program.

WCU’s Engineering and Engineering Technology programs are accredited by ABET’s EAC and ETAC, respectively. Western Carolina University holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we foster a welcoming community where all are respected and belong.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related discipline, prior to the starting date.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred candidates will have one or more of the following:

• Three years of relevant industry experience
• Professional engineering licensure and registration
• Research experience, funded grants, refereed publications, and undergraduate and graduate student supervision

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

9

Open Date: 02/05/2026

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of scholarship plans, unofficial transcripts from highest…