Department: Mechanical Engineering

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience, range beginning around $110,000/yr

Work Schedule: Dependent on class and research schedule.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Mechanical Engineering Dept is searching for an assistant professor in the areas of robotics and autonomy, mechanical design, dynamics, control systems, and microelectromechanical systems. Applicants whose technical interests complement and augment the existing strengths and are well positioned to develop collaborations as part of multidisciplinary research teams are of particular interest. This is a tenure track position expected to start Spring of 2026.

WSU prepares graduates so they can excel in their next level, be it in Kansas manufacturing industries, the best graduate programs in the nation, or a Research and Development program in the nation’s best engineering labs and agencies. We offer degrees in various fields of mechanical engineering including, Design, Energy Systems, Fluids, Materials, Robotics, Thermal Systems, and Interdisciplinary areas of Biomedical Applications, Electro-mechanical Systems, Unmanned-AI Vehicle Systems. The Mechanical Engineering Department has state of the art research and teaching facilities with advanced equipment.

Our missions is to provide students with a broad mechanical engineering education; help advance the mechanical engineering profession; and contribute towards the economical development of the State of Kansas. If your mission aligns with ours and you're looking for a place to make an impact, apply for an opportunity with us today!

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Faculty duties include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and lab courses in the specialized areas. Mentoring/advising students, conduct original scholarly research as well as obtain research funding. Other aspects include but are not limited to departmental service and participating in professional societies.

Required Education and Experience:

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

Must hold a BS degree in mechanical engineering field and a PhD in engineering, or a similar discipline by the beginning of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to work with diverse populations of faculty, staff, and students.
• Knowledge of teaching in the classroom and lab environments.
• Ability to start a research program and write grant proposals to fund research.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Implement flexible teaching methods to adapt to a variety of learning styles and strategies in instructional delivery and learning activities, including online and blended learning, and applied learning approaches.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of high-quality teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Industry experience.
• Experience in a broad-based student environment.

Additional Information:

Required documents to be considered a complete application:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Statement of Research/Philosophy
4. Statement of Teaching/Philosophy

Application review will start on October 1, 2025.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement: