Instructor/Assistant Professor, STEM Studies Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) invites applications for a full-time Instructor in STEM Studies, with a primary emphasis on mechatronics, automation, robotics, and control systems. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, student-centered department committed to hands-on instruction, workforce readiness, and applied engineering education. This position will also play a critical role in helping coordinate STCC's new STEM Studies degree program. STEM Studies is a highly interdisciplinary program that exposes students to a variety of technical fields within the college's School of STEM. A non-calculus-based degree, this new program serves as an accessible pathway into STEM by exposing students to a variety of technologies and professions. This faculty member will teach across both the STEM Studies A.S. and the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology A.S. programs, supervise labs, support student advising, engage with industry partners, and contribute to curriculum development for high-demand technical fields such as automation, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and energy systems.
Primary Responsibilities:- Teach a variety of undergraduate courses and labs within the STCC STEM Studies and EET programs, including STM-101, Exploring STEM Technology Careers.
- Other courses that the successful candidate may be assigned include: Electronics fundamentals; electrical circuits and digital/linear systems
- Embedded systems, microprocessors, and microcontrollers
- Industrial controls and automation, including PLCs and ladder logic
- Robotics, motion control, and mechatronics systems
- Sensors, instrumentation, and process control
- Motor control, power systems, and energy/HVAC-electrical systemsCAD for electronics and programming for automation (C/C++, Python)
- Lab safety and applied engineering practices
- Emphasize applied learning, safety, troubleshooting, and real-world problem-solving aligned with the School of STEM's focus on hands-on, technical education.
- Serve as an ambassador of the new STEM Studies degree program.
- Develop and update course materials, labs, and projects to reflect current industry technologies and best practices.
- Update curricular and lab materials to reflect emerging industry technologies such as IoT, advanced automation, sensors/actuators, and industrial robotics.
- Advise and mentor students on coursework, career pathways, and transfer opportunities.
- Support student projects including capstone work, internships, and applied STEM Studies project-based assignments.
- Support program assessment, continuous improvement, and accreditation efforts (e.g., ABET or institutional standards).Collaborate with local industry partners to align program outcomes with workforce needs and potential internship/apprenticeship opportunities.
- Participate in departmental and college service, committee work, outreach events, professional development, and potential grant initiatives supporting STEM education.
Requirements:
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a closely related engineering/technology field. (A bachelor's degree in a related field with significant industry experience may be considered if accompanied by a commitment to completing a master's degree).Demonstrated knowledge and/or teaching/training experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Electronic circuits; digital/linear systems
- Microprocessors, embedded systems, microcontrollers
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, industrial automation, controls
- Mechatronics systems, sensors, actuators, instrumentation
- Hands-on experience in a lab/workshop environment.
- Familiarity with current technologies such as CAD/CAE tools and IoT-based systems.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to teach and support a diverse community college student population.
- Commitment to STCC's access mission, student success, inclusive teaching, and active learning.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience teaching or training in a hands-on, applied learning environment. Familiarity with community college students and their diverse educational backgrounds. Experience with program development, online instruction, or learning management systems. Relevant industry experience in advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, maintenance technology, or electrical systems. Professional certifications or licensure (e.g., P.E., ISA, or Siemens/Allen-Bradley PLC credentials). Experience with industry partnerships, grant-funded projects, or supporting student internships/capstones. This position involves extensive lab-based instruction and collaboration with students, faculty, and industry professionals. The successful candidate will help students develop practical skills that meet current and emerging workforce demands.
