What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant or Associate Professor Petroleum Engineering position at Montana Tech?
Assistant or Associate Professor
Petroleum Engineering
Full Time
Academic Year Contract-9 month contract (Tenure-track)
Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.
Applications received by 8/30/2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
The Petroleum Engineering Department at Montana Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Petroleum Engineering. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, depending on individual qualifications.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching Petroleum Engineering courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, advising and mentoring students, and supervising graduate student research. The department is highly interested in candidates with a background of industry experience, with a particular preference for expertise in production engineering and surface facilities. Applicants must have a PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related Engineering discipline.
Founded in 1947, the Petroleum Engineering Department at Montana Tech is one of the largest and longest-running undergraduate petroleum engineering programs in the United States. The program is fully ABET-accredited.
Montana Tech petroleum engineering professors actively engage with students both inside and outside of the classroom, providing advisory service to student chapters of SPE, AADE, and other student organizations. Faculty members are expected to pursue applied research and support both the Master’s and Ph.D. graduate degree programs.
Montana Tech is located in Butte, nestled in the scenic, mountainous region of southwest Montana. The surrounding area offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and skiing. As a regional hub for cultural, community, and sporting events, Butte boasts a rich mining history and features a unique National Historic District.
DUTIES:
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Petroleum Engineering, with a specific focus on production engineering and surface facilities.
- Advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
- Assist in the development of an active, applied research program, including the supervision of graduate research projects.
- Hold a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Possess a demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and academic excellence.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Hold a valid Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- Possess prior teaching experience at the collegiate level.
- Have relevant professional work experience within the petroleum industry.
For full consideration application materials must be complete.
Please include:
- Cover letter addressing qualifications,
- Resume
- Contact information for 3 professional references.
Application Requirements
For full consideration application materials must be complete.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Montana Tech as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Montana Tech will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.
- Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.
Veterans Employment Preference
To claim veteran's preference please complete the employment (veteran's) preference form located on the employment page and email to humanresources@mtech.edu. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.
Download Employment (Veteran's) Preference Form (PDF)
Request an Accommodation
To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson at 406-496-4380 or email cisakson@mtech.edu
Why Work at Tech?
Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.
Benefits Package
In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
- Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
- 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
- 11 Holidays per year
- 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
- Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
- 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
- Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
- Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
- Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.
*Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.
About Montana Tech
Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.
Salary : $90,000 - $100,000