What are the responsibilities and job description for the Faculty Specialist position at Western Michigan University?
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 two specific but overlapping needs within 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 a full load of 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.
- 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 Master of Science degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline, AND a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional expertise.
- OR an earned Ph.D. (or equivalent) from an accredited institution in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- 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.
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.
Apply here: https://www.wmujobs.org/postings/5708