Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering Faculty - AY

Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track 1

Locations

Central California

• San Luis Obispo 1

Appointment Type

Bargaining Unit

Apply now Job no: 552329
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Engineering

Mechanical Engineering – Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) – AY 26/27

The Mechanical Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) invites applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Cal Poly emphasizes a Learn by Doing approach and a teacher-scholar model. The successful candidate will teach a variety of courses within the mechanical engineering curriculum (e.g., thermo-fluids stem or mechanics stem) to undergraduate and graduate students in classroom and laboratory settings. Responsibilities include advising students, participating in university service activities, and conducting applied research in mechanical engineering. Outcomes assessment and Learn by Doing are important components of Cal Poly’s curriculum.

The candidate may have a specialization in areas such as biomechanics, heat transfer, energy systems or fracture mechanics, and will teach in the broader area around their specialization. Faculty are expected to engage in high-quality scholarly work and to contribute to service activities at all levels of the University.

* Note:

the department also has searches in Mechatronics and Mechanical System Design. See Job Nos. 550311 (Mechatronics) or 550308 (Mechanical System Design) on the Cal Poly jobs site.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 – $117,000 per year.

The College of Engineering at Cal Poly ist committed to building teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multidisciplinary and hands-on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, which involves extensive lab work and projects in support of theoretical knowledge.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has over 1,600 undergraduate students across two campuses (San Luis Obispo and Solano). This position is for the San Luis Obispo campus. The department is the largest at Cal Poly by student size, with nearly 80 faculty (tenured/tenure-track plus lecturers). The department oversees four machine shops and makerspaces and operates multiple labs to support the undergraduate curriculum.

Faculty are active in various research areas with sponsored projects from government and industry.

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. Cal Poly complies with Title VI and VII of Civil Rights Acts, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California Proposition 209, other anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy.

We prohibit discriminatory practices in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly fosters a diverse, inclusive community and supports open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. The university prioritizes inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs.

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required. Candidates nearing completion (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the degree was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.

The successful candidate will…