What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice (Open Rank) - Engineering Technology position at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?
Number of Vacancies
1
Location
Brownsville, Texas
Division/Organization
Provost - Academic Affairs
Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position
3 years
Tenure Status
Non Tenure Track
FTE
1
Scope of Job
The Department of Informatics and Engineering Systems at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) invites applications for one (1) Professor of Practice position (Assistant or Associate level) in the Engineering Technology program, with a focus on teaching Mechatronics Technology beginning in the 2026 – 2027 academic year. This position will emphasize instruction in areas including, but not limited to: Industrial Electronics, Instrumentation and Control, CAM-CNC, Robotics, and Automation.
The successful candidate will play a collaborative role in initiatives with schools, community colleges, government agencies, and industry partners to foster innovation and economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley. UTRGV is a distributed campus with locations across the region; this position will be based on the Brownsville campus, with the possibility of occasional course offerings in Edinburg.
About UTRGV:
UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success. By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of university discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service.
Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience. By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration.
UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations. Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students. For additional information, please visit UTRGV website.
Department/College Background:
The Engineering Technology (ENGT) program at UTRGV currently serves approximately 120 students and is part of the Department of Informatics and Engineering Systems, which enrolls approximately 500 students. This position is integral to the program’s growth and its efforts to achieve ABET Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) accreditation (www.abet.org). For further information regarding UTRGV and the Engineering Technology Program, at https://www.utrgv.edu/et/index.htm.
Department/College Background:
The Engineering Technology (ENGT) program at UTRGV currently serves approximately 120 students and is part of the Department of Informatics and Engineering Systems, which enrolls approximately 500 students. This position is integral to the program’s growth and its efforts to achieve ABET Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) accreditation (www.abet.org). For further information regarding UTRGV and the Engineering Technology Program, at https://www.utrgv.edu/et/index.htm.
Minimum Qualifications
- Terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related field OR a Master’s degree in one of these fields with substantial, verifiable industry experience in mechatronics, automation, or related systems.
- A minimum of five (5) years of significant, relevant experience is required.
- Evidence of ability to teach at the undergraduate level and integrate real-world industry practices into the classroom.
Discipline Specific Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and student success.
- Bring 5 years of professional industry experience to provide students with meaningful, practice-oriented learning experiences.
- Teach and serve in the Engineering Technology program and support other college programs (Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering) by offering select courses on the Brownsville campus.
- Develop, enhance, and supervise teaching laboratories, advise students, and deliver engaging instruction in both traditional and applied courses.
- Possess expertise in mechanical systems, mechatronics, and/or industrial control systems. Experience with mechatronic systems or automation is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise in industrial electronics, instrumentation and control, Computer Aided Manufacturing, robotics, or industrial automation.
- Experience using instructional technology and innovative teaching strategies to enhance student learning.
License or Certification Required?
No
Salary
Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Desired Start Date
09/01/2026
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Open Date
10/01/2025
Close Date
08/02/2026
Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed institution. As such and as assigned, the position may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Work is performed primarily in a general office environment. This position is security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215. The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Special Instructions to Applicants
All applications must be submitted via the UTRGV application portal at https://careers.utrgv.edu. Complete all sections on the application. If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone number. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Security sensitive: All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.
Security sensitive: All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.
Please Note
Texas law requires faculty members whose primary language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by a satisfactory paper-based test score of 500 (computer-based of 173 or internet-based of 61) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a satisfactory test score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. All positions are subject to budget approval.
Benefits:
Sick Leave, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Job Training