Assistant Professor of Practice

Department:

Mechanical Engineering

Job Summary:

Job Description:

The University of Mississippi invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice in Product Realization in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This position reflects the university’s growing emphasis on connecting design, materials, manufacturing  processes, and testing with real-world product realization, transforming concepts into products.

The successful candidate will develop and deliver innovative undergraduate courses and labs that bridge the gap between design intent and manufacturability. Instruction will cover the principles and applications of fundamental and advanced fabricating methods, including machining, casting, molding, thermoforming, sheet metal forming, additive manufacturing, digital fabrication, prototyping, and process control.  Developed courses will be accessible to students within the School of Engineering.

Preference will be given to candidates with significant industry experience in aerospace, automotive, energy, or related advanced manufacturing sectors. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to translate professional expertise into hands-on learning environments that prepare graduates for leadership roles in modern engineering firms. Candidates should also be familiar with industry applications of artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing, such as data-driven process monitoring and control, predictive maintenance, machine vision for quality inspection, and digital twins, and be able to bring these practices into the classroom and lab.

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Job Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development and Instruction:

Develop and teach courses in Product Realization with an emphasis on modern and digitally enabled engineering design and fabrication technologies, including:

• • Introduction to Product Realization: Design-for-manufacture, prototyping, material selection, tolerance and quality considerations, sustainability.

• • Fundamentals of Manufacturing: core processes including machining, casting, molding, forming, joining, and additive manufacturing, taught through the lens of process selection, design, and cost/rate/quality trade-offs.

• • Digital Fabrication and Automation: Industry 4.0 concepts, connected machines and sensors (IIoT), robotics and automation, and digital twins of products and processes.

• • AI and Data-Driven Process Control: statistical process control and quality systems extended with machine learning for process monitoring, predictive maintenance, machine vision inspection, and data-driven decision-making on the factory floor.
• Experiential Learning and Mentorship:
  • Develop and oversee hands-on labs and design-build projects that reinforce course concepts and emphasize iterative design, testing and validation, systems-level thinking, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Mentor students in product realization pathways.
  • Provide students with real-world project opportunities through industry-sponsored collaborations.
• Industry and Academic Collaboration:
  • Build partnerships with regional and national companies to provide internships, co-ops, and collaborative projects.
  • Incorporate guest lectures, case studies, and applied research opportunities with industry partners.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration with the Center for Manufacturing Excellence and others.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field are required.
• Industry Experience:
  • A minimum of five years of professional experience in the aerospace, automotive, or related manufacturing industries with a focus on manufacturing processes and process control is required.
• Teaching and Mentoring:
  • Proven experience in teaching or mentoring in academic or professional settings.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a multidisciplinary engineering student body.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience collaborating with engineering design and product development programs.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary teaching approaches integrating engineering and business practices.
• Industry experience applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, or advanced production technologies (e.g., Industry 4.0, connected sensors and IIoT, automation, digital twins) to production environments.

Education Qualifications:

Master's (Required)

Experience:

Related Experience

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.