The California State University
Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Mechanical System Design - AY 26/27
The California State University, San Luis Obispo, California, us, 93403
Overview
Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Mechanical System Design AY 26/27 Mechanical Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026. Responsibilities
Teach a variety of mechanical design and solid mechanics courses to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings. Advise students and participate in university service activities. Conduct applied research in mechanical engineering with outcomes assessment aligned to Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy. Develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration and contribute to department and program needs as assigned. Qualifications and Preferences
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering in the general area of mechanical system design or a closely related field (ABD considered with evidence of degree by start of appointment). Excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse student and institutional communities. Ability to develop an externally funded research program with undergraduate and graduate student involvement. Hands-on, student-centered teaching experience; ability to teach in multiple areas of the undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering curriculum. Preferred specializations include design communication, data-driven design decisions (big data), AI-assisted collaborative design, with emphasis on interdisciplinary activities in system engineering and mechanical or human-centered design. Primary teaching assignments may include machine element design, design for strength and stiffness, mechanical system design, senior projects, upper-division electives, and master’s level courses related to the candidate’s expertise. Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research; experience with laboratory-based instruction is desirable; industry experience is encouraged. About the Department and Institution
Cal Poly is ranked as a premier public master’s university in the western U.S. and emphasizes a hands-on, lab-intensive curriculum under the Learn by Doing model. The Mechanical Engineering program focuses on undergraduate and master’s education with access to state-of-the-art machine shops and multiple teaching laboratories. The department supports collaborative research opportunities across campus. For more information about the department, please visit https://me.calpoly.edu/. Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. CSU policies and applicable laws apply, and the university prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs and practices. Cal Poly prioritizes inclusive excellence and student success. Special Conditions
The position may require compliance with mandated reporter responsibilities under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083. A background check is required after conditional offer of employment and before start. Some positions require additional background checks for current employees transferring to sensitive roles. Cal Poly is smoke- and tobacco-free. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy applies, and tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence. Application Process
How to apply: please provide the following supplemental documents with the online faculty application: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy; (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) copy of unofficial transcripts; (6) three professional references with names and emails. Finalists must provide 3 letters of reference. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment. For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered. Questions? Contact John Chen, Acting Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering, at jchen24@calpoly.edu. Advertised and Contact Details
Advertised:
Sep 12 2025 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: To be determined. Additional notes: This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in the Mechanical Engineering Department.
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Assistant Professor - Tenure Track - Mechanical System Design AY 26/27 Mechanical Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026. Responsibilities
Teach a variety of mechanical design and solid mechanics courses to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings. Advise students and participate in university service activities. Conduct applied research in mechanical engineering with outcomes assessment aligned to Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy. Develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration and contribute to department and program needs as assigned. Qualifications and Preferences
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering in the general area of mechanical system design or a closely related field (ABD considered with evidence of degree by start of appointment). Excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse student and institutional communities. Ability to develop an externally funded research program with undergraduate and graduate student involvement. Hands-on, student-centered teaching experience; ability to teach in multiple areas of the undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering curriculum. Preferred specializations include design communication, data-driven design decisions (big data), AI-assisted collaborative design, with emphasis on interdisciplinary activities in system engineering and mechanical or human-centered design. Primary teaching assignments may include machine element design, design for strength and stiffness, mechanical system design, senior projects, upper-division electives, and master’s level courses related to the candidate’s expertise. Demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research; experience with laboratory-based instruction is desirable; industry experience is encouraged. About the Department and Institution
Cal Poly is ranked as a premier public master’s university in the western U.S. and emphasizes a hands-on, lab-intensive curriculum under the Learn by Doing model. The Mechanical Engineering program focuses on undergraduate and master’s education with access to state-of-the-art machine shops and multiple teaching laboratories. The department supports collaborative research opportunities across campus. For more information about the department, please visit https://me.calpoly.edu/. Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment. CSU policies and applicable laws apply, and the university prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs and practices. Cal Poly prioritizes inclusive excellence and student success. Special Conditions
The position may require compliance with mandated reporter responsibilities under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083. A background check is required after conditional offer of employment and before start. Some positions require additional background checks for current employees transferring to sensitive roles. Cal Poly is smoke- and tobacco-free. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy applies, and tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence. Application Process
How to apply: please provide the following supplemental documents with the online faculty application: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy; (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) copy of unofficial transcripts; (6) three professional references with names and emails. Finalists must provide 3 letters of reference. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment. For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered. Questions? Contact John Chen, Acting Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering, at jchen24@calpoly.edu. Advertised and Contact Details
Advertised:
Sep 12 2025 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: To be determined. Additional notes: This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in the Mechanical Engineering Department.
#J-18808-Ljbffr