"Assistant Professor- Mechanical Engineering"

Assistant Professor- Mechanical Engineering

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor- Mechanical Engineering at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Wayne State University invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track faculty position. We expect to make the appointment at the Assistant Professor level but will consider exceptional senior-level candidates with a strong track record of major external funding and peer-reviewed publications.

Duties involve teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, introducing new courses in the applicant’s respective field of expertise, developing a strong record of peer-reviewed journal publications, establishing an impactful and sustainable externally funded research program, supervising and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students, and engaging in professional societies and university services.

The anticipated starting date of employment is August 18, 2026. This position is a 9-month appointment.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have an earned doctorate in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related fields with a concentration in one of the following areas:

• Advanced materials and manufacturing encompassing the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in design and manufacturing, materials informatics and big data design, smart manufacturing, characterization and processing of materials, scalable and adaptable manufacturing processes.
• Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology, advanced propulsion technologies, including electric and hybrid systems, unmanned systems flight dynamics, control and autonomy, energy storage solutions to increase range and efficiency for electric VTOL aircraft.

Application Instructions:

Electronic applications must include a letter of application; curriculum vita; names, addresses, and contact information for at least three references, a personal statement regarding teaching and research activities (limited to 3 pages), and selected refereed journal publications (limited to 3 papers). Emailed applications will not be accepted.

The review of applications will begin on December 1, 2025 and the search will remain open until the position is filled. Salary and rank of position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

School/College/Division: H05 - College of Engineering

Primary department: H0507 - Mechanical Engineering

Employment type: Regular Employee, Job type: Full Time, Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Annual Salary, Salary minimum: TBD, Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions: This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between WSU and the WSU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.