Professor in mechanical engineering – Space - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Department or Service: Department of Mechanical Engineering

Duration: This position is tenure-track

Location: 2500 chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec

Deadline date: Sunday, May 10, 2026

Polytechnique Montréal is an internationally recognized engineering university. Located in the heart of Montréal on Mount Royal, it is renowned for the high quality of the training offered at all levels, and for its multidisciplinary and multisectoral research, at the forefront of the local, national and international engineering.

Proud of its 150-year history, Polytechnique now welcomes more than 10,000 students and relies on the expertise of nearly 1,600 staff members with diverse skills, including more than 300 professors.

Polytechnique is certified at the Gold level by the STARS organization and is recognized for its innovative approach, and its active role in technological, economic, and social development. It values the diversity of its employees and adheres to an equal employment opportunity program for women, visible and ethnic minorities, Indigenous people and those with disabilities. Having received the Gold Parity Certification from Women in Governance, it offers excellent working conditions, with a strong focus on work-life balance and the well-being of its employees.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Department of Mechanical Engineering currently includes 45 professors and 7 lecturers, supported by 35 technical and administrative staff members, along with several postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and research professionals. The department offers programs in mechanical and aerospace engineering and contributes to the biomedical and engineering programs, serving a study body of more than 1,200 undergraduates and 300 graduate students. Professors, researchers, and students conduct leading-edge research in mechanical, aerospace, metallurgical, energy, and biomedical engineering, in collaboration with industry.

The department is seeking to fill a faculty position in the field of space engineering, with the goal of strengthening its teaching, research, and innovation activities in this strategic area. Applications are invited from candidates with advanced expertise in one or more of the following areas (non-exhaustive list):

• Orbital dynamics, navigation, and attitude control of satellites and constellations;
• Integrated design of rockets and other space systems;
• Space propulsion.

Polytechnique Montréal also hosts several student-led initiatives in the space sector. PolyOrbite develops CubeSat and Mars rover projects, while Oronos designs and launches high-powered rockets in international competitions. These initiatives reflect the growing student interest in space engineering across our community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will carry out the responsibilities of this position with engagement and creativity. Among other duties, they will:

• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels;
• Supervise undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students;
• Carry out innovative research projects;
• Obtain grants and contracts aimed at supporting research work with the aim of training highly qualified personnel;
• Publish the scientific results of this research;
• Participate in the department’s teaching and research activities;
• Collaborate with other research teams at Polytechnique Montréal or other institutions;
• Contribute to enhancing Polytechnique Montréal’s visibility and influence in Québec and internationally.

PROFILE AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD in engineering or equivalent in a relevant field at the time of starting the position;
• Present a research record demonstrating their ability to develop and lead an independent research program, enabling them to obtain funding to supervise graduate students;
• Demonstrate excellent teaching skills, particularly in engineering sciences and aerospace engineering design courses, if possible supported by teaching evaluations;
• Be able to contribute positively to the department's working environment and adhere to Polytechnique's values of Cooperation, Responsible Leadership, Excelling, Integrity;
• Be a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) or be recognized by a professional engineering association in Canada, or take the necessary steps to become a member before being granted tenure;
• Have sufficient proficiency in spoken and written French before being granted tenure, as French is the language of instruction at Polytechnique Montréal.

Polytechnique Montréal will provide the necessary assistance and support to the selected candidate for OIQ registration as well as for learning French.

Applicants with a bachelor's degree in engineering or with industry experience are encouraged to highlight this in their application.

ADVANTAGES OF WORKING AT POLYTECHNIQUE MONTRÉAL

This position is tenure-track.

Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement (in French only) in effect. This agreement provides for, among others:

• Provisions for work-family balance, such as maternity, paternity and adoption leave, in addition to the Québec Parental Insurance Plan;
• The possibility of benefiting from paid respite periods;
• A defined-benefits pension plan;

In addition, relocation and immigration support is available to the successful candidate and their family.

To learn more about Polytechnique Montréal and the benefits of contributing to its mission, please explore: Avantages et milieu de vie (in French only).

START DATE

As soon as possible.

APPLICATIONS

Candidates are invited to submit an application package which includes:

• A cover letter
• A CV
• A statement of main teaching achievements and teaching philosophy
• A statement of major research achievements and prospects
• Proof of university degrees
• Up to three significant contributions related to the position
• Teaching evaluations, if available

For more information about this position, please contact:

Éric Laurendeau, ing., PhD
Department of Mechanical Engineering
mec-directeur@polymtl.ca