Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Wayne State University invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track faculty position. We expect to make the appointment at the Assistant Professor level, but will consider senior-level candidates with a strong track record of major external funding and peer-reviewed publications.

Duties involve teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, introducing new courses in the applicant’s respective field of expertise, developing a strong record of peer-reviewed journal publications, establishing an impactful and sustainable externally funded research program, supervising and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students, and engaging in professional societies and university services.

Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a doctorate in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field, with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and connected mobility applied to the modeling, design, control, testing, and operation of mechanical and physical mobility systems.
• Advanced materials and manufacturing encompassing the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in design and manufacturing, materials informatics and big data design, smart manufacturing, characterization and processing of materials, scalable and adaptable manufacturing processes.
• Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology, advanced propulsion technologies, including electric and hybrid systems, unmanned systems flight dynamics, control and autonomy, energy storage solutions to increase range and efficiency for electric VTOL aircraft.

The anticipated starting date of employment is August 18, 2027. This position is a 9-month appointment. All applicants must submit their applications through the WSU Online Hiring System at https://waynetalent.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home?c=waynetalent.

Electronic applications must include a letter of application; curriculum vita; names, addresses, and contact information for at least three references, a personal statement regarding teaching and research activities (limited to 3 pages), and selected refereed journal publications (limited to 3 papers). Emailed applications will not be accepted.

The review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026 and the search will remain open until the position is filled. Salary and rank of position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

School/College/Division:

H05 - College of Engineering

Primary department:

H0507 - Mechanical Engineering

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Academic/Faculty

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

Working conditions:

This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.