Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering (AA28005)

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

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Salary Type: Depends on qualifications

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on November 17, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Position: Tenure-Track (Probationary*)

Job Duties

Mechanical engineering at Minnesota State University, Mankato has a tenure track assistant professor position opening in the area of robotics/control and instrumentation. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical engineering with a specific focus on control, robotics. Maintain a laboratory and experiments for instruction in the areas and fundamental course(s) as needed by the department. Engage students with practical educational and research activities. Engage in student development and mentorship. Work with faculty and staff in a collegial and cooperative manner. Participate in departmental service activities, including program assessment, interaction with prospective students, working with student organizations, etc. The expected starting date is fall 2027.

• A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year.
• The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as assigned and qualified.
• May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at the university’s additional locations, as assigned.
• The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research productively and mentor students in research, help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding opportunities.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in ­Mechanical engineering with a specific focus on control, robotics, numerical method, solid mechanics/design laboratory courses and fundamental course(s) as needed by the department.
• All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study, in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing service to the university and community (See Article 22 and Appendix G of the IFO Master Agreement)
• This position will advise undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical engineering as needed by the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in the areas of robotics/control and instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.

Preferred Qualification 

• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical systems control, robotics, and instrumentation, as evidenced by a strong record of scholarly research, peer-reviewed journal publications, and presentations at professional conferences in these areas.
• Prior industrial experiences in the application of control and robotics.
• Demonstrated commitment to active learning and to developing innovative ways to support learning.
• Demonstrated potential for research, creativity, or scholarly activity in the area of mechanical system control/robotics and instrumentation.
• Currently licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or demonstrated potential to obtain PE licensure.
• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment while working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Application Procedures:

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

• Cover Letter
• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Contact Information for three (3) references
• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
• A brief (no more than one-page) response to the following: Provide a specific example from your professional or academic experience that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. In your response, describe the actions you took to foster an environment that was inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
• A one (1) page statement of your teaching philosophy
• A one (1) page statement of your research/scholarly interests
• Evidence of PE license if available

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Shaobiao Cai

Mechanical & Civil Engineering

Minnesota State University, Mankato

205 Trafton East

Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-1918

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email:

shaobiao.cai@mnsu.edu

Other Requirements

The University may be able to provide employment visa sponsorship for qualified candidates, subject to USCIS guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://mankato.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing

security@mnsu.edu

Additional Information

The Mechanical Engineering Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, housed within the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees. Accredited by ABET, the BSME program has been offered since 1986 and prepares students for a broad professional engineering careers. The undergraduate curriculum provides practical application oriented training in mechanical engineering principles such as design, mechanics, HAVC, manufacturing, control, mechatronics and robotics. The graduate program builds on this foundation with advanced coursework and engineering applications and research in mechanical engineering.

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at:

www.mnsu.edu

*The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:
· Enhancing access and student success.
· Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.
· Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.
Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.

Destination 2030, the University’s strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in August 2023, commits the University to making transformative strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in transformational learning generating inspired action; being a nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name—Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor’s through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota’s the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at:https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/.

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN State’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable bargaining unit agreement or personnel plan.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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