Assistant Professor in Mechatronics Engineering, Tenure Track

Job Summary

The Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology and Surveying at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is seeking to hire a tenure track assistant/associate professor in Mechatronics Engineering starting August 15, 2027. This is a 9-month faculty position. The successful candidate will primarily teach in the undergraduate mechatronics engineering program. Responsibilities include teaching a variety of undergraduate courses and laboratories in areas such robotics, electromechanical systems, robotic systems integration, vision systems, autonomous systems, collaborative robotics, sensors and actuators, network security systems, and advanced data acquisition systems and other mechatronics courses. The candidate is also expected to maintain an active externally funded research portfolio and supervise graduate students. Additionally, the role also involves supporting ABET accreditation activities and the senior design project in the mechatronics program. Other duties include directing student projects, participating in student recruitment events, engaging in departmental and institutional service activities, and perform other tasks/duties assigned by the department chair. The Department of Engineering, Engineering Technology, Interior Architecture and Surveying is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences in the newly formed School of Sciences, Engineering and Math. The department is a multidisciplinary department with 19 faculty and support staff. The department offers one ABET-accredited General Engineering program, a new Mechatronics Engineering program, and four ABET-accredited Engineering Technology programs in Biomedical, Construction, Electronics, and Manufacturing. The department also offers a CIDA-accredited Interior Architecture and an ABET-accredited Surveying and Mapping program. The department has an MS in Engineering Technology program with two concentrations including Robotics, Automation, and Instrumentation Systems Concentration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to inspire and motivate students using hands-on, applied, and experiential learning.
• Knowledge of student-centered and innovative instructional strategies including online teaching experience.
• Ability to effectively and respectfully work, communicate, and collaborate in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings.
• A strong commitment to undergraduate engineering education.

Required Qualifications

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Mechatronics Engineering or one of the closely related engineering areas: Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Robotics, by the hire date. OR M.S. in Mechatronics Engineering or in one of the above listed areas. The M.S. candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of teaching or industrial experience in areas related to the job description.
• Successful record of research and applied scholarly activities in the above listed areas.
• Laboratory instruction and facility management experience, including but not limited to safety, supervision, and procurement.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching experience and curriculum design in engineering areas.
• Candidates who have proven track records of relevant industry and practical experiences.
• A robust track record of publication and extramurally funded research.
• Experience with ABET accreditation processes.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $90,000
• For information on benefits please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check.
• Initial review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026. To apply, upload the following elements to your application:
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Research Interests
• A list of three references with contact information

For additional information, please contact Dr. Paul Sims, Search Committee Chair, at simsj@etsu.edu.

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution''s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution's focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position''s essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.