About Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, located in Needham, Massachusetts, United States, is a private undergraduate engineering institution founded in 1997 with a generous endowment from the F.W. Olin Foundation. Established to revolutionize engineering education, Olin emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Unlike traditional universities, Olin does not have departments; instead, it fosters a flexible curriculum where students design their own paths in areas like mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering design, and bioengineering. The college's mission is to prepare students to become exemplary engineering innovators who recognize needs, design solutions, and engage in creative enterprises for the good of the world.
Since its inception, Olin has achieved notable recognition, including high rankings in undergraduate engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report. The campus, spanning 70 acres, features state-of-the-art facilities like the Milas Hall for collaborative projects and the Olin Library for research resources. Key achievements include producing graduates who excel in industry leaders like Google, SpaceX, and startups, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical engineering. Olin's small size—about 350 students—ensures personalized education and close faculty-student interactions.
For those interested in academic careers at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, the institution offers a dynamic environment for research and teaching. Explore more on the official Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Website. Discover related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Massachusetts, and Academic Jobs in Needham.
Olin's history is rooted in addressing the shortcomings of traditional engineering education, leading to innovative programs that integrate arts, humanities, and social sciences. This approach has resulted in high job placement rates, with over 95% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months. The college collaborates with nearby institutions like Babson College and Wellesley College, enhancing cross-registration and research opportunities.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering are highly sought after for their focus on innovative teaching and research. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Engineering Design, Lecturer in Computing and Data Science, and Research Fellow in Sustainable Systems. According to 2025 trends, there's growing demand for positions in AI, robotics, and bioengineering, driven by Olin's interdisciplinary model. Salaries for these roles are competitive; for instance, Assistant Professors earn $100,000–$130,000 annually, influenced by experience and funding availability. Olin's emphasis on project-based education attracts academics passionate about mentoring small cohorts.
In key areas like mechanical engineering, faculty positions at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering involve leading student projects on renewable energy devices. Electrical engineering roles focus on embedded systems and IoT, with opportunities for collaboration with industry partners. Bioengineering professors engage in cutting-edge research on medical devices and tissue engineering. Job trends for 2025 indicate a rise in hybrid roles combining teaching with entrepreneurship, aligning with Olin's mission. Higher education jobs at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering often require a PhD and a portfolio of innovative work.
Lecturer roles at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering emphasize curriculum development in areas like systems thinking and user-centered design. Research jobs at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering offer access to grants from NSF and private foundations, supporting projects in sustainability and innovation. Professor positions at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering provide tenure-track paths with strong support for work-life balance in Massachusetts. Academic careers at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering are ideal for those seeking impactful, collaborative environments.
To explore these opportunities, visit AcademicJobs.com's filtered search for Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. Factors like location in Needham boost appeal with proximity to Boston's tech hub. Salaries in academia at Olin are above national averages for small colleges, reflecting its endowment. For more on faculty jobs at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, check Higher Ed Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Engineering
Salary: $100k–$130k. Focus on innovative projects.
Lecturer in Computing
Salary: $90k–$120k. Emphasize data science trends.
Research Fellow in Bioengineering
Salary: $110k–$140k. Collaborate on medical innovations.
Professor in Design Innovation
Salary: $140k–$170k. Lead interdisciplinary teams.
Why Work at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Academic careers at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering are rewarding due to its innovative culture and supportive environment. Faculty enjoy small class sizes, enabling deep student engagement, and access to substantial research funding. Unique benefits include sabbaticals for entrepreneurial pursuits and collaborations with Boston-area tech firms. Olin's focus on work-life balance, with flexible schedules and family-friendly policies, makes it appealing. Research opportunities in emerging fields like AI ethics and sustainable engineering provide intellectual fulfillment. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and paths to leadership. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
The college's endowment ensures competitive resources, and its location in Needham offers a suburban setting with urban access. Notable for its no-tuition model initially, Olin continues to prioritize accessibility and innovation.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
📊 Salaries for faculty at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering are competitive, reflecting its prestigious status and location in Massachusetts. Based on 2025 data from sources like Glassdoor and AAUP, Assistant Professors earn $100,000–$130,000, influenced by experience, publications, and grant funding. Associate Professors range from $130,000–$160,000, with bonuses for administrative roles. Full Professors can expect $160,000+, especially in high-demand areas like computing. Factors affecting pay include department focus—bioengineering roles often command higher due to industry ties—and tenure status. Location in Needham adds a cost-of-living adjustment, making totals higher than national averages for similar institutions.
Compared to other engineering colleges, Olin's salaries are on par with MIT affiliates but more generous for a small school. Benefits like health insurance and retirement matching enhance total compensation. For detailed breakdowns, visit Professor Salaries. Salaries in academia at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering also vary by gender and diversity initiatives, with efforts to close gaps.
Entry-level lecturer roles start at $90,000, rising with performance. Research-intensive positions include stipends for projects, boosting earnings. In 2025, trends show increases due to inflation and talent competition. For more on faculty salaries at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering, explore University Salaries.
Additional perks include professional development funds and housing assistance. Overall, compensation supports a high quality of life in Massachusetts.
| Role | Salary Range | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $100k–$130k | Experience, grants |
| Associate Professor | $130k–$160k | Tenure, department |
| Full Professor | $160k+ | Leadership, research |
| Lecturer | $90k–$120k | Teaching load |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
⭐ Discover top educators at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics rate professors, aiding course selection and recognizing excellence in teaching. Ratings highlight strengths in project guidance and innovation.
Dr. Rebecca Christianson (Physics)
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for engaging labs.
Dr. Allen Downey (Computer Science)
Rating: 4.9/5. Expert in data science.
Dr. Siddhartan Govindasamy (Electrical Engineering)
Rating: 4.7/5. Innovative in communications.
Dr. Jean Huang (Bioengineering)
Rating: 4.6/5. Focus on sustainable tech.
Dr. Mark Somerville (Design)
Rating: 4.8/5. Mentors entrepreneurial projects.
Dr. Lynn Andrea Stein (Computing)
Rating: 4.9/5. AI and ethics specialist.
Career Progression at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Career progression at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering follows a tenure-track model with emphasis on teaching innovation and research impact. Starting as Assistant Professor ($100k–$130k), academics advance to Associate ($130k–$160k) after 5–7 years, then Full Professor ($160k+). Professional development includes workshops on pedagogy and funding. Olin's strengths in interdisciplinary research aid tenure. Explore paths at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Funding from NSF supports progression, with university-specific factors like small faculty size enabling leadership roles.
Research and Innovation at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
🔬 Research at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering focuses on AI, robotics, sustainable energy, and bioengineering. 2025 trends include climate tech and human-centered design, with centers like the Olin Collaboratory fostering collaborations. Funding exceeds $5M annually. Explore Research Jobs.
Notable projects involve partnerships with MIT and industry for innovative prototypes.
Resources for Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via Olin's teaching workshops.
- 💼 Benefits include comprehensive health and retirement plans.
- Union support through AAUP chapters.
- Access to grants and sabbaticals.
Student Life and Perspectives at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Student life at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering features collaborative projects and clubs in robotics and design. Career outcomes include high placement in tech firms. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include advising and internships.
Programs emphasize real-world application, leading to strong alumni networks.