Program Director, Mechanical Engineering

Definition

The Program Director for Mechanical Engineering Technology provides academic leadership, instructional excellence, and administrative oversight for the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. This position is responsible for directing program operations, curriculum development, faculty supervision, and industry alignment while delivering high-quality classroom and laboratory instruction.

This is a full-time faculty position with direct teaching, leadership, and administrative responsibilities. The normal faculty workload includes a minimum of 18 contact teaching hours per week and a minimum on-campus presence of 30 hours per week.

• Receives supervision from the Advanced Manufacturing Department chair
• Is responsible for program oversight.
• Exercises direct supervision over faculty and professional staff.

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Mechanical Engineering Technology program, including course scheduling, curriculum planning, and program assessment.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of program goals, objectives, policies, and priorities in alignment with departmental and college strategic plans.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable accreditation standards, state policies, and college requirements related to instructional quality, curriculum, and student outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, instructional delivery methods, enrollment trends, and resource utilization; identify opportunities for improvement and collaborate with the department chair on recommended actions.

• Teach a minimum of 18 contact hours per week in classroom and laboratory settings using current technologies, industry-standard equipment, and effective instructional practices.
• Develop, revise, and deliver curriculum that reflects current industry standards, workforce needs, and advances in mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing.
• Prepare instructional materials, assessments, and evaluations; maintain accurate records of student attendance, performance, and learning outcomes.

• Participate in the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and evaluation of full-time and adjunct faculty within the program.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and professional teaching environment that supports instructional excellence and faculty development.
• Provide technical guidance and instructional leadership to ensure consistency, quality, and relevance across program courses.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local and regional industry, with particular emphasis on advanced manufacturing sectors in North Carolina.
• Lead and sustain an active program advisory committee to ensure ongoing industry input into curriculum, equipment, and workforce skills alignment.
• Ensure the program is responsive to employer needs and emerging trends in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automation, and industrial systems.

• Coordinate program-level efforts to recruit, retain, and support students, including participation in outreach, marketing, and community relations activities.
• Collaborate with student services on admissions, progression, advising, and graduation processes specific to the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.

• Assess and plan material, supply, and equipment needs; submit and manage requests for instructional resources.
• Coordinate the selection, use, maintenance, and safe operation of laboratories, equipment, and instructional facilities assigned to the program.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote safe and appropriate work practices in all instructional environments.

• Prepare required reports, documentation, and assessments as needed.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and accreditation requirements related to higher education and technical…