About this role
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks applications for multiple tenure track faculty positions at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, depending on experience and qualifications, in the broad area of advanced manufacturing with an anticipated start date of August 2027.
We seek candidates who will establish an internationally recognized research program in advanced manufacturing. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, advanced materials and materials processing; additive, hybrid, and emerging manufacturing processes; manufacturing robotics and automation, including autonomous self-driving laboratories; data-driven, intelligent, and autonomous manufacturing; computational design and digital manufacturing; human–machine interaction; point-of-care and distributed biomanufacturing; and future-generation manufacturing systems. Candidates whose research bridges multiple areas, integrates advances across materials, processes, design, and systems, or establishes new directions in advanced manufacturing are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will benefit from and contribute to VT MADE (Virginia Tech Center for Advanced Manufacturing), which brings together interdisciplinary expertise and research capabilities in materials, manufacturing technologies, computational and data-driven design, robotics and autonomy, digital integration, and manufacturing systems, while fostering partnerships across Virginia Tech and with external organizations to advance manufacturing research, education, and innovation.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, including core mechanical engineering courses and specialized courses in their area of expertise. The development of new courses that address emerging directions in advanced manufacturing is encouraged. The successful candidate will also mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to the continued growth of advanced manufacturing research and education within the department and VT MADE.
Key Requirements
- Required Qualifications*:
- Applicants must hold a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline by the start of their appointment.
- Preferred Qualifications:
- A strong record of academic accomplishments, a proven ability to work collaboratively, a commitment to interdisciplinary research and instruction, and a willingness to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges.
- Job Duties:
- Research and Scholarship (60%). Conduct research in the broad area of advanced manufacturing. Teaching and Advising (30%): Teach undergraduate courses (with the possibility of graduate courses) in mechanical engineering and robotics in lecture, laboratory, and distance-learning formats. Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students on academic and professional development. Service and engagement (10%): Maintain a leadership presence in their discipline and profession. This may include consulting, outreach, and serving on technical committees in professional societies. Service on departmental, college, and university committees.
Job Function: University, Academic and Education
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Duration: Indefinite
Min Education: Ph.D.
Posted: 2026-10-09