Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering - Mechatronics

School/Department Name: Mechanical Engineering

Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank, in accordance with the CSU Salary Schedule . The anticipated annual salary range is 101, 000–124,000.

Final date to receive applications: December 31, 2026 (Applications will be accepted until the position is filled or the search is closed.)

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at San José State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in mechatronics. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field by the time of appointment and demonstrate expertise in one or more areas such as robotics, control systems, automation, physical AI, sensors, embedded systems, or human–machine interfaces.

The successful candidate will demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and hardware laboratory settings; developing an independent, externally funded research agenda; publishing in peer-reviewed journal and conference papers; and presenting at professional conferences. The candidate must also have strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills; demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a diverse student population;

and contribute to the interdisciplinary strengths, infrastructure, and industry partnerships of SJSU’s mechatronics programs.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU Mechanical Engineering provides an exceptional setting for teaching, research, and collaboration. The department has strong programs in robotics and mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, thermal and energy systems, and mechanical design, supported by hands‑on laboratories and interdisciplinary research. Its proximity and connections to Silicon Valley's technology, semiconductor, manufacturing, and emerging engineering industries create opportunities for faculty to develop industry partnerships, pursue applied research, and bring real‑world engineering challenges into the classroom.

The Mechanical Engineering Department and San José State University value institutional excellence and are committed to advancing equity through research, teaching, and service. We enroll more than 40,000 students, many of whom are historically underserved; approximately 45% of our undergraduate students are first‑generation college students and 38% are Pell Grant recipients. In addition, we are both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

SJSU aspires to create holistic learning environments that facilitate both individual and collective transformation. We seek teacher‑scholars who cultivate inclusive, empowering spaces for mutual learning, skill‑building, and knowledge exchange for all students. Our commitment to lifelong learning supports meaningful connections among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader communities we serve.

We invite all applicants to include a Statement of Institutional Excellence (or incorporate it into your cover letter) to share how your lived and professional experiences will contribute to the SJSU community—particularly in relation to student success. A guide to writing this statement can be found at SJSU Institutional Excellence Statement Guidelines.

• Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering field by the time of appointment.
• Ability to teach and develop undergraduate and graduate courses in dynamics, robotics, mechatronics, and control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research in mechatronics or a closely related field.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the…