Manufacturing Faculty Position

Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science

Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is currently seeking exceptionally qualified candidates for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position (003755) at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor with expertise and research interests in precision engineering for advanced manufacturing systems, and an expected start date of August 2026. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to: precision mechatronics and controls for machine design and intelligent manufacturing systems, precision metrology for micro/nanoscale structures such as semiconductors, quantum devices, packaging, and bio-interfaces, fast in-situ metrology and inspection techniques with special interest in optical-based approaches for extreme environments (high temperature, high radiation fields, zero gravity, etc.), and AI-enabled metrology, control, and manufacturing for autonomous and sustainable systems.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science (MEES) is the largest department within the William States Lee College of Engineering, staffed by 51 full-time faculty members and 15 staff members who serve over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students. There are six active NSF CAREER awardees, and several faculty are recognized as Fellows of leading professional societies. The MEES department is internationally recognized for research programs in advanced manufacturing, precision metrology, battery research, motorsports/automotive engineering, energy, aerospace, and bioengineering. The Department is home to the Center for Precision Metrology (CPM), the Battery Complexity, Autonomous Vehicle and Electrification Research Center (BATT CAVE) and has strong affiliations with the Center for Freeform Optics (CeFO), and the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications. The College of Engineering is leading initiatives in several areas of strategic research focus for the university, including Advanced Manufacturing and Metrology, Transformational Energy, Transportation and Advanced Mobility, and Smart and Sustainable Cities.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Applicants should be committed to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is expected that the successful candidate will build strong collaborations with industry partners and national laboratories, publish in leading research journals, and establish a strong externally-funded research program. Applicants should also be committed to supervising undergraduate capstone projects and graduate theses and dissertations. Priority will be given to candidates with strong research records, corresponding to the rank of appointment, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, externally funded research, and a plan for future research that aligns with the university's and department's research focus in this area.

Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents for Position 003755

1. One-page letter of interest.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Research statement (up to three pages) detailing areas of expertise and research vision.
4. Teaching statement (up to two pages).
5. Contact information for at least three references.

About Charlotte and UNC Charlotte

UNC Charlotte, with more than 32,000 students, is a top-tier, urban R1 research university. The University is recognized for its research excellence, innovation, and student achievement that drive progress across North Carolina, the Southeastern region, and the United States. Driven by a spirit of innovation and discovery, UNC Charlotte serves as a center of research excellence that advances knowledge in areas such as advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, sustainability, energy, health, and urban systems—addressing challenges that shape the future of our world. The campus is located on a 1000-acre wooded campus in the University City neighborhood of Charlotte.

The Charlotte metro area is centrally located in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, with a population of nearly three million. It is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States, attracting highly educated professionals and research partnerships in the field of energy, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and financial technology. Eight Fortune 500 are headquartered in the Charlotte region, including Honeywell, Duke Energy, and Siemens. The Charlotte airport is a major international hub and offers direct flights to most cities in the US and major destinations abroad. Charlotte offers a vibrant blend of professional sports, arts and culture, outdoor adventure, and career opportunities—making it a top destination to live. The city offers a mix of urban and natural amenities, featuring both a lively uptown area and numerous hiking trails. Within a three-hour drive, many enjoy the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains or the exciting shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Charlotte is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the country.

Learn More

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the program’s website or contact the chair of the Search Committee Professor Brigid Mullany (bamullan@charlotte.edu), with further questions. Please review the full job description at jobs.charlotte.edu for additional information, expectations, and requirements.

Interviews are expected to begin in January 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The candidate selected for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest degree earned, and will be subject to a criminal background check.