Assistant Professor - Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

The Grand Valley State University Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in materials and/or manufacturing engineering with an anticipated start date of August 6, 2027. The open position is for an Assistant Professor, subject to funding approval.

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $90,000, commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

The ideal candidate will bring teaching and research experience in advanced manufacturing engineering, preferably including some of the following: 

• Additive manufacturing
• Integrating artificial intelligence into production
• Advanced Material Processing
• Robotics and Automation

The candidate will be expected to teach both graduate and undergraduate courses.

Candidates must have a PhD in materials engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or a directly related field or be completing their PhD dissertation in one of those fields at an accredited university prior to starting at GVSU. The new hire will be expected to focus on teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to an environment of inclusive excellence. 

The BSE program at GVSU includes mandatory co-op education experiences and extensive experiential learning components, including industry-sponsored senior projects. The MSE program emphasizes professional practice as well as applied research. Partly sponsored by local industry, these programs yield job-ready as well as graduate-school-ready engineering graduates in support of the diversified regional industries. 

The engineering program values interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships both within and outside the University. The extensive industry ties of the Padnos College of Engineering provide unique opportunities for industry collaboration and applied research. 

Required Qualifications and Education:

• PhD in manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, or mechanical engineering. (Completed by August 2027.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality laboratory and project-based teaching.

 

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Undergraduate and graduate teaching experience 
• Grant writing abilities 
• Industry experience 
• Industry ties 
• Project management skills 

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

How to Apply: Please attach the following documentation:

• (1) Resume/CV
• (2) Cover Letter that addresses the candidates scientific background, strengths, and teaching experience
• (3) Statement of Teaching and Mentoring Philosophy (2 Pages Maximum)
• (4) Teaching Interests (List of courses by subject)
• (5) Contact Information for at least three references.

If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Dr. Chris Pung ([email protected]). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply by December 14, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

 

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.