Overview:
Assistant Professor - Tenure Track – Mechatronics - AY 26/27. Mechanical Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo invites applications for two full-time, academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions beginning Fall 2026. The department emphasizes a Learn by Doing philosophy and a strong focus on undergraduate and master’s level education with laboratory-intensive, hands-on curricula.
Responsibilities:
Teach undergraduate and master's level courses and contribute to curricular development in mechatronics, system dynamics, and controls. Pursue research with undergraduate and master’s students; engage in high-quality scholarly activity evidenced by external peer review. Provide service to the department, the university, and the community. Engage in multidisciplinary, hands-on teaching and integrate hardware–software interaction and electro-mechanical systems into the Mechatronics program.
Qualifications Required:
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering in the general area of mechatronics or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent. Candidates nearing completion (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program involving undergraduate and graduate students and partnerships with key stakeholders. Demonstrated experience with hands-on, student-centered learning and the ability to work in multidisciplinary settings. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with university-level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree). Experience with laboratory-based instruction and/or industry experience. Experience with embedded systems; proficiency in multiple coding languages (e.g., assembly, C/C++, Python). Broad experience in mechanical engineering and supervising undergraduate research. Ability to work with diverse populations and foster an inclusive environment. Special Conditions The position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and requires compliance with CSU Executive Order 1083. Following a conditional offer, a background check (including criminal records) must be satisfactorily completed before start. Cal Poly conducts individualized assessments of any relevant conviction history with respect to job duties. Sensitive positions require heightened scrutiny; current employees may be required to undergo background checks for campus positions as required by law or university policy. Cal Poly is smoke and tobacco-free. CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy restricts hiring outside California for CSU-related work. Tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.
How To Apply:
To apply, please provide: (1) a cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of teaching philosophy; (4) statement of goals and plans for research; (5) unofficial transcripts; (6) three professional references with emails. Finalists will be asked to provide three letters of reference. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment. For full consideration, apply by the Review Begin Date: October 13, 2025; applications received after this date may be considered. For questions, contact John Chen, Acting Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering, at jchen24@calpoly.edu.
About The Department:
Cal Poly’s Mechanical Engineering program is laboratory-intensive, with a strong focus on undergraduate and master’s level education. The department values teaching excellence, small class sizes, hands-on activities, and access to state-of-the-art machine shop facilities. Cal Poly actively pursues collaborative research opportunities across campus, including with the Noyce School of Applied Computing. The starting date for this position is September 2026. Equal Opportunity EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT This position is open to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Cal Poly complies with applicable civil rights laws and CSU nondiscrimination policies and prohibits discriminatory practices. Cal Poly fosters an inclusive environment and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.
