Visiting Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Union College invites applications for a three-year position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, beginning September 1, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Position Description:

The successful candidate will have a strong background in the area of solid mechanics (statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and machine design). Teaching experience in other areas such as engineering graphics, manufacturing, and control theory are also desired.  The successful candidate will teach and develop content for a range of undergraduate courses and laboratories in their area(s) of expertise. Union College has a strong record in undergraduate research, and candidates will be expected to pursue a program of scholarly research involving undergraduate students.  Additionally, Union strongly values its liberal arts tradition and candidates who are willing and able to teach to the broader campus community will be given preference. A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field) is desired, but applicants close to finishing their Ph.D. will also be considered. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the field. Increasing diversity on campus is a key objective of this hire and a top priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world.

About the Department of Mechanical Engineering:

We are a nationally ranked mechanical engineering program whose curriculum emphasizes close student-faculty interactions in small class settings, hands-on laboratory experiences and team-based design and build projects at every class level.  Our faculty members are true teacher-scholars who obtain competitive grants, publish in high impact journals, present at international conferences and involve undergraduate students in our research at the deepest levels.

Application Instructions:

Please submit these application materials in the following order as a single pdf file:

• cover letter

• curriculum vitae

• teaching statement (maximum 3 pages) reflecting on your teaching philosophy and experience and providing information on how you can contribute to the diversity of educational experiences and offerings and engage with students with diverse skills or backgrounds, including examples of your participation in specific activities

• research statement (maximum 3 pages) including how you will conduct your research at an undergraduate institution and meaningfully include undergraduates in that work

If you are selected for our shortlist, you will be asked to submit the names and contact information for three references who will then be asked to provide letters of recommendation.

Please contact the search committee chair Associate Professor David Hodgson at hodgsond@union.edu if you have any questions.

Compensation:

The annual salary range for this position is $83,000-$86,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty and training.  The stated hiring rate/range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)

• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs

• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development

• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability

• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are