Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
About the role
Tenure-track assistant professor position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University, beginning Fall 2027. The role focuses on advanced processing of powder materials with a specific emphasis on sintering science and technology. The successful candidate will work in the department's Powder Technology Laboratory and is expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, develop collaborations across the department, College of Engineering, and regional industry partners, and contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching and service.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain an independent, externally funded research program in powder processing, sintering, advanced/additive manufacturing, and AI/ML applications.
- Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in mechanical engineering, materials science, manufacturing, or related areas.
- Engage in campus and professional service activities.
- Collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and with industry partners.
- Direct advanced undergraduate and graduate student research.
Requirements
- Record of original research/scholarly/creative accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to (a) develop a vigorous independent research/scholarship/creative program, (b) teach graduate and undergraduate courses, and (c) engage in campus and professional service.
- Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries.
- Terminal degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with all degree requirements met by date of hire.
Qualifications
- Expertise in sintering science and technology and processing of powder materials.
- Experience in advanced manufacturing or additive manufacturing of powder materials, including processing–structure–property–performance relationships and scalable fabrication methods.
- Experience applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to materials engineering (data‑driven materials design, process optimization, modeling of powder processing and sintering).
- Record of publications, presentations, and/or funding.
- Potential for securing extramural funding.
- Experience collaborating with industry partners.
- University‑level teaching experience in materials science, manufacturing, or related mechanical engineering areas, including teaching students from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to direct advanced undergraduate and graduate student research.
Benefits
San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. Detailed benefits information is available via the university’s benefits portal.
Pay
The anticipated salary range for this position is $108,000–$111,000, based on the current CSU salary schedule. Salary placement will be determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience; salaries above the published maximum may be offered in limited circumstances.