Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Job Description:

The School of Engineering and Computing at Fairfield University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor rank in the Michael Zabinski Department of Mechanical Engineering. The start date for this position is September 1st, 2027, pending budget approval. Candidates in all areas of Mechanical Engineering or closely related fields are encouraged to apply.

Position Description: This position requires an ability to perform teaching, scholarship, and service responsibilities. The successful candidate will be required to: (1) develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses (lecture and laboratory) in mechanical engineering. (2) supervise Master theses, undergraduate research, capstone projects, and senior design projects; (3) pursue scholarly activities (including externally-funded research and peer-reviewed publications); (4) engage in academic advising and mentoring; and (5) assist in program assessment, execution of the department’s continuous improvement plan, and documentation in support of ABET accreditation. The position is an academic (9-month), tenure-track appointment, and the salaries are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The School of Engineering and Computing is organized into the Michael Zabinski Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and the Department of Electrical, Mechatronics, and Biomedical Engineering. The Mechanical Engineering program is ABET accredited and offers Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. In addition, students have an option to obtain a Concentration in either Automation, Robotics, and Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories such as Material Characterization Lab, Automation, Robotics and Manufacturing (A.R.M.) Lab, Mechanical Engineering Lab, and the High-Speed Fluids Research Lab. It also houses the Brinkman Manufacturing Laboratory and the Innovation Annex in support of teaching and research and boasts the highest undergraduate enrollment within the School of Engineering.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to effectively teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, including hands-on labs.
• Demonstrated potential to engage in funded research in a relevant field, along with a demonstrable publication record. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with expertise in experimental and applied areas of Mechanical Engineering are encouraged to apply. Computational expertise is considered a favorable additional qualification when complemented by hands-on, applied research and teaching experience. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, solid mechanics/structures, thermal-fluid sciences, energy, aerospace, and other emerging areas of Mechanical Engineering.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Full consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 1st, 2026. The preferred starting date is September 1st, 2027.

Please combine and upload the following materials in a single PDF document. A complete application will consist of: (1) a cover letter addressing the qualifications (one-page), (2) a statement of teaching interests and research plan (two pages), (3) a curriculum vitae, and (4) the names and contact information of three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates). Applicants are encouraged to submit a project portfolio (three to five pages with annotated photographs or a link to a website repository) that illustrates hands-on, project-based contributions.

Only complete electronic applications will be considered. Inquiries about the position should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. David Shekhtman ([email protected]).

For more information on Fairfield University, please visit www.fairfield.edu. For more information on the School of Engineering and Computing, please visit www.fairfield.edu/sec.

Anticipated hiring range: $104,514–$118,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Final compensation is determined by University guidelines and budget availability.

Category:

Academic - Faculty Tenure/Tenure Track

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate. 

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Eligible employees may receive health, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefits, and other benefits according to institutional policy. Fairfield University Benefits

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying.

Faculty Positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description.

Staff positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to [email protected]