Western Carolina University
Assistant/Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering, Machine Design - #150797
Western Carolina University, Asheville, North Carolina, us, 28814
Assistant/Associate Professor - Mechanical Engineering, Machine Design – #150797
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Application Materials Please include the following:
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*
*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” or “Degree Conferred” or similar. 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 contain a notation such as “Degree Awarded” or “Degree Conferred” to verify it as your highest completed degree.
For questions or additional information please contact Wes Stone at wstone@email.wcu.edu.
About WCU Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. Current rankings include:
2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State.”
2024 – Ranked in the top 8.5% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers,” positioned 34 out of the top 400.
2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers,” 97 out of the top 500.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State.”
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and is consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, health insurance, retirement plan contributions, disability plans, tuition waivers, group exercise classes, discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary WCU is seeking faculty candidates in mechanical engineering or a related discipline with expertise in Machine Design. 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 Machine Design and related topics. Rank will be determined at the point of hire. The anticipated start date is August 2026.
Successful candidates will be committed to teaching, scholarship, and professional service. Applied research that engages 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. Applicants will be expected to support the University’s external engagement mission and the Quality Enhancement Program.
Minimum Qualifications
A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline, 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.
Posting Information Open Date: 01/09/2026. Close Date: Open Until Filled.
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, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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 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
Optional Documents
Professional Licensure Documentation
Publication List
Research Proposal
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
To ensure the security of your data, you will be logged out due to inactivity in 3 minutes. Any data not saved will be lost. Click “OK” to keep your session active.
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Application Materials Please include the following:
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*
*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” or “Degree Conferred” or similar. 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 contain a notation such as “Degree Awarded” or “Degree Conferred” to verify it as your highest completed degree.
For questions or additional information please contact Wes Stone at wstone@email.wcu.edu.
About WCU Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. Current rankings include:
2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State.”
2024 – Ranked in the top 8.5% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers,” positioned 34 out of the top 400.
2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes “America’s Best Midsize Employers,” 97 out of the top 500.
2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State.”
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and is consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, health insurance, retirement plan contributions, disability plans, tuition waivers, group exercise classes, discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary WCU is seeking faculty candidates in mechanical engineering or a related discipline with expertise in Machine Design. 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 Machine Design and related topics. Rank will be determined at the point of hire. The anticipated start date is August 2026.
Successful candidates will be committed to teaching, scholarship, and professional service. Applied research that engages 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. Applicants will be expected to support the University’s external engagement mission and the Quality Enhancement Program.
Minimum Qualifications
A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline, 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.
Posting Information Open Date: 01/09/2026. Close Date: Open Until Filled.
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, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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 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
Optional Documents
Professional Licensure Documentation
Publication List
Research Proposal
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
To ensure the security of your data, you will be logged out due to inactivity in 3 minutes. Any data not saved will be lost. Click “OK” to keep your session active.
#J-18808-Ljbffr