Western Carolina University
Open Rank - Robotics & Mechanical Engineering - #240982
Western Carolina University, Asheville, North Carolina, us, 28814
Open Rank - Robotics & Mechanical Engineering - #240982
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.
Letter of application
Current CV
Teaching statement
List of three professional references with complete contact information
Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s level and higher
For questions or additional information please contact Chip Ferguson at cferguson@email.wcu.edu.
All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state “Degree Awarded,” “Degree Conferred,” or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must include a notation such as “Degree Awarded” or “Degree Conferred” to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Department School of Engineering & Technology
About WCU
2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
2024 – Ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list.
2023 – Ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees are provided a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, and health insurance plans; retirement plan contributions; optional disability plans; tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; free group exercise classes; discounted campus recreation memberships; free vaccine and booster shots; pre‑tax flexible spending accounts; 12 paid holidays; 24 hours of paid community service leave; paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service; and more.
Position Summary We are seeking faculty candidates in mechanical engineering or a related discipline with expertise in robotics. The primary location of this position is the main campus in Cullowhee, NC. This opening is a nine‑month, tenure/tenure‑track position focused on robotics and related topics, with a start date anticipated in August 2026. Successful candidates will be committed to teaching, scholarship, and professional service, and will conduct applied research that engages students, especially undergraduates.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required for this Position Minimum Qualifications
A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in an engineering discipline closely related to robotics, such as mechanical engineering, prior to the starting date of August 1, 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
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 Number of Months Per Year: 9
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.
Letter of application
Current CV
Teaching statement
List of three professional references with complete contact information
Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s level and higher
For questions or additional information please contact Chip Ferguson at cferguson@email.wcu.edu.
Background/E‑Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit
www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at
University Annual Safety Report
or in hard‑copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Application
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching Philosophy
Research Statement
Unofficial Transcripts
List of references
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Letter of application
Current CV
Teaching statement
List of three professional references with complete contact information
Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s level and higher
For questions or additional information please contact Chip Ferguson at cferguson@email.wcu.edu.
All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state “Degree Awarded,” “Degree Conferred,” or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must include a notation such as “Degree Awarded” or “Degree Conferred” to verify it as your highest completed degree.
Department School of Engineering & Technology
About WCU
2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
2024 – Ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list.
2023 – Ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees are provided a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, and health insurance plans; retirement plan contributions; optional disability plans; tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; free group exercise classes; discounted campus recreation memberships; free vaccine and booster shots; pre‑tax flexible spending accounts; 12 paid holidays; 24 hours of paid community service leave; paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service; and more.
Position Summary We are seeking faculty candidates in mechanical engineering or a related discipline with expertise in robotics. The primary location of this position is the main campus in Cullowhee, NC. This opening is a nine‑month, tenure/tenure‑track position focused on robotics and related topics, with a start date anticipated in August 2026. Successful candidates will be committed to teaching, scholarship, and professional service, and will conduct applied research that engages students, especially undergraduates.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required for this Position Minimum Qualifications
A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in an engineering discipline closely related to robotics, such as mechanical engineering, prior to the starting date of August 1, 2026.
Preferred Qualifications
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 Number of Months Per Year: 9
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.
Letter of application
Current CV
Teaching statement
List of three professional references with complete contact information
Unofficial transcripts showing degree conferral dates for all degrees at the master’s level and higher
For questions or additional information please contact Chip Ferguson at cferguson@email.wcu.edu.
Background/E‑Verify Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit
www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at
University Annual Safety Report
or in hard‑copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828‑227‑7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Application
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching Philosophy
Research Statement
Unofficial Transcripts
List of references
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
#J-18808-Ljbffr