The John J. Russell Endowed Professor of Practice

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, invites applications for a full-time faculty position as the John J. Russell Endowed Professor of Practice, with the anticipated start date of August 2026. At UNM, FSAE is taught as a 3-semester course sequence, in which student teams conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small formula-style racing cars, culminating in a national competition hosted by SAE International in Michigan, each June.

This non-tenure-track 9-month appointment emphasizes practice, mentorship, and program building alongside teaching and service. The appointee will:

• Serve as the primary faculty mentor and technical director for FSAE, guiding end-to-end vehicle development: concept, design, systems integration, manufacturing, testing, competition logistics, and continuous improvement.
• Teach practice-forward courses and labs (e.g., design/build/test, CAD/CAM, DFM/DFA, instrumentation, project management, safety) and contribute to capstone.
• Build a robust safety culture and ensure compliance with university, shop, and competition regulations; maintain documentation, training, and risk assessments.
• Cultivate partnerships with industry for sponsorships, mentoring, internships, and in-kind support; steward relationships with alumni and donors.
• Advance student professional formation—leadership, teamwork, ethical practice, communication, and design review discipline—aligned with ABET outcomes.
• Collaborate across departments (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Management) to support vehicle electrification, data acquisition, operations, and fundraising.

Applicants must hold an earned M.S. (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field. Candidates must have 5+ years of significant industry practice and demonstrated mentoring experience of early-career engineers or students, along with evidence of safe, high-reliability shop and test operations. Preferred qualifications include experience with FSAE or analogous competition, a record of fundraising/sponsorship development, familiarity with electrified powertrains and functional safety, professional licensure or relevant certifications, and demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university’s mission to serve local and global communities.