Open Ranks Faculty Position in Mechanical Engineering

Open Ranks Faculty Position in Mechanical Engineering

   

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

   

Florida Polytechnic University invites applications for tenure-equivalent faculty positions in Mechanical Engineering at the rank of instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor, to begin as early as Fall 2025.

The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Florida Polytechnic University is rapidly growing, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching excellence, project-based learning, and hands-on teaching. Our department provides students with real-world experiences that prepare them for industry challenges. Faculty benefit from small class sizes, allowing for personalized guidance and the development of meaningful connections with students. We strive to foster a collaborative, innovative environment where creativity and excellence in teaching are highly valued. Additionally, our new research labs and state-of-the-art facilities support a wide range of research activities and interdisciplinary collaboration.

   

JOB DESCRIPTION

   

Position responsibilities include:

• Teaching: developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Mechanical Engineering, including within the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program.
• Research: engaging in research activities, integrating research interests with student involvement, and contributing to the academic community.
• Service: participating in departmental and university service, advising, and mentoring students.
• Playing an active role in shaping the academic experience within the department, particularly through project-based learning, capstone projects, and fostering industry connections.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Evidence of effective university-level teaching
• For the rank of Instructor:
  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 18 credit hours in the discipline
• For the rank of Assistant Professor:
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field earned before the start date
• For the rank of Associate Professor:
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field earned before the start date
  • Currently hold rank of Associate Professor or eligible to apply for Associate Professor at current institution.
• For the rank of Full Professor:
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field earned before the start date
  • 6 years of experience at the rank of Associate Professor or equivalent

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Successful candidates should possess:

• Experience or expertise in thermodynamics or fluid dynamics is desirable but not required.
• A commitment to teaching excellence and student success, demonstrating dedication to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment with innovative methods that promote student growth.
• Evidence of scholarship that aligns with their experience, including contributions such as publications or other impactful work in mechanical engineering or related fields.
• Experience developing and enhancing courses, incorporating modern tools and industry trends to meet the needs of students and the workforce.
• A service record that reflects engagement in departmental, university, or professional activities, contributing meaningfully to institutional goals.
• A history or potential of securing external funding or working on funded research projects, showing active involvement in scholarly growth.
• Success in mentoring and advising students, supporting their research efforts and career development.
•  Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex ideas to students, colleagues, and external partners.
• Expertise that complements the strengths of current faculty, adding value to the department's focus areas.
• A commitment to collegiality, fostering a respectful and supportive working environment with faculty, staff, and students.

COMPENSATION: Starting salary will be commensurate with experience and rank.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: 

• Positions are open until they are filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, submit PDFs of the following documents with your application.

• Cover letter that:
  • specifies the position and rank you’re interested in applying for, and
  • addresses how your qualifications align with the mission of Florida Polytechnic University
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two-page research statement
• Names and contact information of 3 professional references
• Unofficial copy of your highest awarded transcripts, showing the list of courses taken. Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Transcripts issued outside of the United States require an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be submitted with the application.

ABOUT FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Florida Polytechnic University, opened in 2014 as the state’s STEM-focused public university, offers high-value undergraduate and graduate degrees with intentional industry connections. Dedicated to preparing students to make significant contributions and become leaders in STEM fields, Florida Poly integrates foundational STEM knowledge and skills with applied, project-based learning. The University prioritizes applied, hands-on learning in small classes guided by world class faculty who serve as instructors, mentors, and researchers.  Florida Poly partners closely with industry-leading firms, and faculty members are rewarded for more than just publishing. Industry involvement, problem solving, and the commercialization of technology and research through start-ups and small businesses are encouraged.

Florida Poly’s ultra-modern campus is located in Lakeland, along the I-4 High Tech Corridor between Tampa and Orlando. With no state income tax and a high standard of living, Lakeland and Central Florida continue to rise among the best places to live and work. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

TENURE-EQUIVALENT SYSTEM

Faculty at Florida Poly are employed via renewable, multi-year appointments codified in a collective bargaining agreement.  This tenure-equivalent system substantially mirrors tenure systems at other schools, with reappointment and progression in rank based on a comprehensive review of accomplishments.  Initial contract durations are as follows:

            Assistant Professor: 3 years

            Associate Professor: 3-5 years

            Professor:  6 years

Applicants with post-PhD experience may be offered an accelerated timeline to apply for promotion to the next academic rank. Under this tenure-equivalent system, faculty are eligible to compete for NSF and NIH grants, including career grants. 

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information. 

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS

• Perks and Discounts
• Annual Leave
  • To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
• Sick Leave
  • Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

 

Required attachments are listed on each posting.   Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered. 

 

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire. 

 

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

 

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.  

  

  

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.