What are the responsibilities and job description for the Faculty Specialist I Lecturer - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - Tenure Track position at Western Michigan University and Careers?
Position Details
Posting Summary
College
College Of Engineering/App Sci
Executive Area
Provost & VP Academic Affairs
Department
Mechanical & Aerospace Engr
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F303P
Job Type
Tenure Track
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
FS1
Campus Location
WMU-Kalamazoo - Parkview Campus
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
General Summary
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Western Michigan University invites applications for a full-time Faculty Specialist position. This is a teaching-focused position designed for a practitioner and educator who is dedicated to undergraduate instruction and student success.
We are seeking candidates to fill one of two specific but overlapping needs in the department:
We are seeking candidates to fill one of two specific but overlapping needs in the department:
- Aerospace Engineering Focus: Primarily responsible for teaching undergraduate courses within the Aerospace Engineering curriculum.
- Mechanical Engineering Focus: Primarily responsible for teaching undergraduate courses within the Mechanical Engineering curriculum.
Major Duties
- Teaching undergraduate courses, laboratories, and recitations in their respective discipline (Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering).
- Developing and updating course materials to ensure curriculum remains current with industry standards and accreditation requirements.
- Mentoring and advising undergraduate students, including the supervision of Senior Design projects.
- Maintaining and managing instructional laboratories and equipment.
- Participating in departmental, college, and university service committees.
- Collaborating with faculty to support student recruitment and retention efforts.
- The faculty specialist will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative research activities in the department and college, though they are not required to develop an independent research program.
Minimum Qualifications
- An earned Ph.D. (or equivalent) from an accredited institution or an earned Master of Science degree from an accredited institution with an additional five (5) years of relevant profession experience prior to the start of the appointment. The degree must be in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline and have been conferred by an accredited institution.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in teaching at the university level.
- Significant industrial experience in mechanical or aerospace design, manufacturing, or analysis.
- Experience with industry-standard engineering software and tools (e.g., CAD, FEA, CFD, etc.).
- A track record of effective mentorship or supervision of student projects or junior colleagues.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Ph.D. candidate applicants expecting to complete all degree requirements before their start date are welcome to apply. If the degree has not yet been awarded, you must provide a letter from your institution confirming that all requirements have been met and specifying a conferral date within six months of your start date. Anticipated start of employment is the Fall 2026 semester.
Additional Position Information
Go to https://wmich.edu/hr/employees/faculty for benefits and other information.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, as well as Master’s and Ph.D. programs in both disciplines. Our faculty are dedicated to excellence in teaching and research, preparing students for successful careers in industry, government, and academia.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, as well as Master’s and Ph.D. programs in both disciplines. Our faculty are dedicated to excellence in teaching and research, preparing students for successful careers in industry, government, and academia.
Located in beautiful southwest Michigan in the vibrant city of Kalamazoo, WMU is a comprehensive and nationally recognized student-centered institution classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a doctoral university conducting research at a high level. The Kalamazoo area has a population of approximately 265,000, a low cost of living, and is located halfway between Chicago and Detroit. The community features NCAA and professional sports teams, exceptional outdoor recreation, as well as numerous opportunities to enjoy the arts, music and theater. It is a great place to raise a family.