Assistant Professor - Tenure Track – Mechatronics - AY 26/27

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and master's level courses in mechatronics, system dynamics, and controls.
• Pursue research with undergraduate and master’s students in their area of interest.
• Support and expand curricular development in mechatronics.
• Provide service to the department, the university, and the community.

Requirements

• An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering in the general area of mechatronics or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required for appointment.
• Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills and must have the ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated experience in university level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree).
• Experience with laboratory-based instruction.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment is preferred.
• Experience with embedded systems.
• Excellence in university level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree).
• Experience with multiple coding languages, including assembly, C/C++, and python.
• Broad experience in mechanical engineering.

Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with laboratory-based instruction.
• Experience working with undergraduates on research activities.
• Experience working as a practicing engineer in industry.

Benefits

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

Pay

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

Schedule

The starting date for this position is September 2026.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

Contact Information

To apply, applicants are encouraged to provide the following supplemental documents: (1) cover letter providing details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) copy of unofficial transcripts; and (6) three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of reference. The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration. Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Review Process

To ensure full consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by the Review Begin Date, October 13, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered. For questions, please contact John Chen, Acting Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering, via jchen24@calpoly.edu.