Assistant​/Associate Professor - Engineering

Overview

Assistant/Associate Professor - Engineering - 251065 — Western Carolina University

Department: School of Engineering & Technology

About WCU: Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes “Best Employers” lists each year. Benefits and programs include dental, vision and health insurance plans; retirement plan contributions; tuition waivers; fitness and wellness options; paid holidays and leave; and professional development opportunities. The university emphasizes a collaborative, project-based learning environment and engagement with industry partners.

Position Summary: The primary location of this position is the main campus in Cullowhee, NC. The College of Engineering and Technology (cet.wcu.edu) at Western Carolina University is growing. We are recruiting faculty for several positions in Engineering (or closely related fields) at the assistant, associate, and full professor ranks. Faculty are routinely expected to teach in multiple topical areas at undergraduate and graduate levels.

The openings are nine-month tenure/tenure-track positions, with additional summer opportunities for research, teaching, and other professional endeavors. Rank will be determined at the point of hire. The anticipated start date is August 2026, but a January 2027 date would also be considered. Applicants with experience in more than one area of need will be reviewed favorably. Applicants with teaching experience at the college level, including lab courses, will also be reviewed favorably.

Successful candidates will be expected to teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, advise students, be involved in extra-curricular student engagement activities, develop a sustainable program of research and scholarship, and be engaged in university and professional service. Applied research that engages students, especially undergraduate students, is a hallmark of our program. The college’s programs are accredited by ABET’s EAC, ETAC, and ANSAC, respectively.

The college has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top tier Undergraduate Engineering program for the past several years. Successful candidates will be expected to support the University’s external engagement mission. Applicants are encouraged to visit the WCU website to learn more about WCU.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications: Possess an earned PhD or equivalent terminal degree in engineering education, engineering, construction management, or closely related discipline from an accredited institution by August 1, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with active learning techniques, project-based learning, or hands-on engineering education.
• Industry experience or familiarity with engineering/construction practice.
• Experience in student recruitment, outreach, or community college partnerships.

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

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.

Please include a current curriculum vitae, letter of application, statement of teaching and student engagement goals, statement of research and scholarship goals, a copy of unofficial transcripts, and a list of three professional references with full contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Dr. Gretchen Dietz, Director of Engineering Discovery, at gdietz
.

* 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 have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.*

AA/EOE — Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for…