"Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering"

Union College invites applications for the position of tenure track Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, beginning September 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin November 15th, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

This position is focused in the area of mechatronics with a specialty in robotics. A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field) is required; applicants close to finishing their Ph.D. will also be considered. The successful candidate will teach and develop content for a range of undergraduate courses and laboratories in the areas of mechatronics (including basics of electrical circuits), robotics, controls, automation, or mechanical design. Preference will be given to applicants who can lead curricular developments in several of these areas. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and conducting high quality, peer reviewed and published research are requirements for success in the position. Union College has a strong record in undergraduate research, and candidates will be expected to pursue an active program of scholarly research involving undergraduate students. Additionally, Union strongly values its liberal arts tradition and candidates who are willing and able to teach to the broader campus community are encouraged to apply.

About the Department of Mechanical Engineering

Union College’s engineering programs are nationally ranked. The mechanical engineering program emphasizes close student-faculty interactions in small class settings, hands-on laboratory experiences and team-based design and build projects at every class level. Our faculty members are teacher-scholars who obtain competitive grants, publish in high impact journals, present at national and international conferences and involve undergraduate students in our research at the deepest levels.

Application Instructions:

Please submit these application materials in the following order as pdf files:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement (maximum 3 pages) reflecting your teaching philosophy and experience and providing information on how you can contribute to the diversity of educational experiences and offerings and engage with students with diverse skills or backgrounds, including examples of your participation in specific activities
• Research statement (maximum 3 pages) including how you will conduct your research at an undergraduate institution and meaningfully include undergraduates in that work

Please do not include any additional information. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in teaching, conducting research and/or mentoring undergraduate students. Please send questions and other inquiries to Associate Professor David Hodgson at hodgsond@union.edu.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $93,000-$96,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents