Please see Special Instructions for more details.
NC State has retained Charles Kaler and Kirk Schulz of CSA Search & Consulting to assist with this dean search. Posting Information
Posting NumberPG194927EPInternal Recruitment NoWorking TitleDean - College of Engineering Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Education and Experience Work Schedule Core Business Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, additional hours necessary and vary depending on business needs. Job Location DepartmentAbout the Department
The College of Engineering at NC State University is among the largest and most preeminent engineering colleges in the nation, recognized for its excellence in education, research, innovation and service. As a cornerstone of NC State’s land-grant mission, the college prepares engineers and computer scientists to solve complex challenges and improve lives through discovery, collaboration
and technological advancement. With more than 12,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the College of Engineering is one of the largest in the nation. Across nine academic department and three additional affiliated departments in other colleges, the college offers 18 bachelor’s degree programs, 23 master’s degree programs and 14 doctoral degree programs across a broad range
of engineering disciplines.
The college’s faculty and staff support a nationally recognized educational and research enterprise. The college’s research expenditures are nearly $290 million annually, placing NC State Engineering among the top engineering colleges in the nation for research activity. The college’s research portfolio spans critical areas of national importance including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor technologies, energy systems, cybersecurity, materials innovation, biotechnology, sustainability and resilient infrastructure. The College of Engineering is home to more than 20 federally funded research centers and institutes, along with additional laboratories and collaborative research initiatives that advance interdisciplinary discovery, large-scale sponsored research and partnerships with industry, government and nonprofit organizations. The college has a distinguished record of leadership in major national research efforts, including two National Science Foundation ( NSF ) Engineering Research Centers ( ERC ) — ASSIST and FREEDM — and is one of only two institutions nationally to have simultaneously led two ERCs and one of only two institutions to have been awarded leadership of three ERCs.
Among its nationally recognized initiatives are Power America, a Manufacturing USA Institute advancing wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies; AERPAW, a national platform for advanced wireless research; the Secure Computing Institute; the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center; and major research efforts in artificial intelligence, clean energy, nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing and sustainable engineering. The Department of Nuclear Engineering is also positioned at the forefront of the next generation of nuclear technologies. NC State’s long standing leadership in nuclear engineering research and education has been strengthened by significant state investment in advanced reactor research, supporting the
university’s role in advancing innovative nuclear energy technologies, workforce development and national leadership in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Together, these efforts position NC State Engineering as a national leader in research areas critical to technological innovation, economic competitiveness and societal impact. The majority of the College’s departments are located on NC State’s Centennial Campus, a groundbreaking research campus that brings together academia, private businesses and government agencies and is a model for the 21st-century research-intensive university campus. The newest engineering building in the complex, Fitts-Woolard Hall, opened in 2020 and is home to two academic departments, plus the dean’s administrative offices. The college is continuing to expand its physical infrastructure and educational capacity through major state-supported investments. Engineering North Carolina’s Future, a state-supported initiative, is enabling the college to expand engineering and computer science enrollment and includes significant investment in faculty growth, equipment and facilities. In addition, the North Carolina General Assembly has provided $5 million in recurring funding for the initiative as well as major capital support for a new Engineering Classroom Building on Centennial Campus, a transformational facility designed to expand instructional capacity and support innovative approaches to engineering education.
The college’s outstanding faculty includes 12 members of the National Academy of Engineering, three members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, three winners of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and an Emmy Award winner. The outstanding young faculty members regularly receive NSF CAREER awards, averaging three to five per year over the past 10 years. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks the college No. 28 in graduate programs and No. 13 among public colleges of engineering. The college offers a robust online learning program called Engineering Online and is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top program among online graduate engineering and computer information technology programs.
Efforts to engage the college’s 82,485 living engineering alumni are led by the NC State Engineering Foundation. As of June 2026, the college received $401.3M in endowment support. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoyexclusive perksdesigned to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. Attain Work-life balance with our Childcarebenefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programsthat aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer:
Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered. Reporting to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, the dean serves as the chief academic, administrative and budgetary officer and principal spokesperson for the College of Engineering. The dean provides strategic leadership for the college’s nine academic departments, research centers and institutes, academic programs, faculty, staff and students, while advancing the college’s mission of excellence in education, research and engagement. As a member of the university’s academic leadership team, you will work collaboratively with fellow deans, university leadership and external partners to advance NC State’s strategic priorities and strengthen engineering’s role in addressing society’s most pressing challenges. You will foster an environment that supports excellence in teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and public engagement while ensuring student success and preparing graduates to lead in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.
Key responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Growth Providing visionary leadership that advances the College of Engineering’s strategic priorities and strengthens its national and international reputation. Serving as a collaborative member of the university’s leadership team and advocating effectively for the college within the university while contributing to institution-wide priorities. Providing strategic leadership for the college’s continued growth, including expansion of academic programs, research infrastructure and state-supported capital investments. People & Academic Excellence Recruiting, retaining, supporting, and developing an outstanding faculty, staff, and student community while cultivating an environment where all members can thrive and contribute fully. Recognizing and valuing the contributions of everyone in the college, encouraging the high performance and excellence of faculty, staff and units within the college and the delivery of high-quality academic programs. Adapting the college’s programs to shifting educational landscape and leading advancement of engineering education. Research & Partnerships Strengthening the college’s nationally recognized research enterprise by supporting interdisciplinary scholarship, expanding sponsored research and fostering collaboration across the university and with external partners; Building strategic partnerships with industry, government, national laboratories, alumni and philanthropic partners that enhance the college’s educational, research and economic impact. Engagement & Institutional Impact Engaging with internal and external constituencies regarding the development implementation, and evaluation of programs. Leading comprehensive fundraising efforts in partnership with University Advancement, the NC State Engineering Foundation and the Engineering Foundation Board of Directors to secure philanthropic support for the college’s strategic priorities. Stewardship & Resources Managing the college’s financial and physical resources with transparency, accountability and sound stewardship while effectively advocating for new investments. Other Responsibilities
n/aQualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Requires a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree with a minimum of three (3) years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant undergraduate degree and a minimum of five (5) years or greater of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree. Other Required Qualifications A distinguished record of scholarship, research and academic leadership that merits appointment as a tenured full professor in one of the College of Engineering’s academic departments. Experience working effectively as a key member of an institutional leadership team, advocating for organizational priorities, and building productive partnerships across organizational units and with external stakeholders. Experience managing a complex organization with significant fiscal, personnel, and operational responsibilities. Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated commitment to personal integrity and professional ethics. A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.
Preferred Qualifications:
A demonstrated ability to provide visionary, strategic leadership for a large, complex academic and research organization while fostering collaboration, accountability and shared purpose. Demonstrated success in strategic planning, setting priorities, allocating resources and leading organizational change in support of institutional goals. A record of success in advancing excellence in research, education and innovation, including support for interdisciplinary scholarship and high-impact research initiatives. Experience leading or supporting successful fundraising and philanthropic engagement, with the ability to build enduring relationships with alumni, donors and corporate partners. Experience recruiting, developing and retaining outstanding faculty, staff and students while fostering a culture that values excellence, collaboration, professional growth and broad participation. Outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present, listen, and engage effectively with faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry leaders, government officials, donors and other external partners. A record of fostering an environment that supports collaboration, innovation, academic excellence and student success. A strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate, graduate and professional education and to preparing students for leadership in engineering, technology, and related professions. Demonstrated success in developing partnerships with industry, government agencies, national laboratories and other academic institutions that advance research, education and economic impact. Experience supporting entrepreneurship, technology translation, and commercialization of university research. A demonstrated ability to support faculty, staff, and students, and coordinate across departments during periods of challenge or uncertainty while fostering resilience, cohesion, and continued progress toward shared academic Required License(s) or Certification(s)
n/aValid NC Driver's License required Valid NC Driver's License required NoCommercial Driver's Licence required Commercial Driver's Licence required NoRecruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 09/30/2026 Anticipated Close Date Special Instructions to Applicants Position Number
00001606 Position Type
SAAOFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00 Appointment
12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID
020101 - Exec Vice Chancellor & Provost's OfficeEEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu .Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to match qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).* How did you learn of this opportunity?
NCSU Website Job Alert (automated email from our system)NCSU Executive Search Services Monster.com CareerBuilder.com InsideHigherEd.com Other Online Job Board Carolina Job Finder / Employment GuideJob / Career FairThe Chronicle of Higher Education Professional Journal Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical) Professional Organization Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / RecruiterNCSU Employee Referral Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other) OtherIf you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source. (Open Ended Question) Required Documents Other Document (1) Resume/CVOptional Documents Cover LetterNC STATE UNIVERSITYRALEIGH, NC 27695PHONE: (919) 515-2011
