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Title: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Engineering
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The new College of Engineering at Illinois State University is seeking tenure-track / tenured faculty members to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering in developing courses, building teaching labs, starting student clubs, and launching research programs. We are looking for passionate and highly motivated individuals across all ranks and areas, with particular emphasis on individuals with an expertise in design, manufacturing, and thermal fluids.

As a faculty member, you will play a pivotal role in teaching, mentoring, and preparing students for real-world challenges, including energy, sustainability, robotics, automation, machine design, and manufacturing. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to shape the future of an entire department and a chance to contribute to ISU's legacy of innovation and academic excellence.

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits , including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/.

Additional Information

The department’s mission is to provide a transformative educational experience that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical values needed to excel in the world of mechanical engineering. We benefit from our strategic location in a rapidly growing region that includes emerging industry leaders and companies. ISU Department of Mechanical Engineering External Advisory Board includes members from Rivian Automotive, Caterpillar Inc., Tesla, Stellantis, INNIO Waukesha Gas Engines Inc., Apalis, GTI Energy, ADM, and others who are enthusiastic and supportive of launching an outstanding mechanical engineering program. As a founding faculty member, you will have the chance to foster strong industry connections and collaborate on real-world projects, preparing our students to excel in the dynamic field of mechanical engineering.

At ISU, we value passion for teaching, a commitment to impactful research, and a collaborative spirit to serve our community and profession. ISU is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We foster a collaborative environment that inspires intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial spirit. This is your chance to be part of something remarkable. Join us at ISU, where you'll have the opportunity to inspire the engineers of tomorrow and make a lasting impact on the field of mechanical engineering. Don't miss this exciting chapter in ISU's history.

As an R2 research institution, our 150-year journey has built a solid foundation for academic achievement, where our historic legacy meets cutting-edge innovation. Located in the vibrant twin cities of Normal and Bloomington, ISU's 1,111-acre campus serves as a dynamic academic hub which embodies a diverse and thriving community, fostering both intellectual rigor and a friendly, welcoming environment.

Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Assistant Professor $75,000 – $92,500, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Associate Professor $90,000 – $125,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Full Professor $115,000 – $135,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (degree must be completed by the start date of the appointment).
2. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
3. State law requires demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

January 2026 to August 2026

Required Applicant Documents

(1) CV
(2) Cover letter
(3) For junior level applicants: Statement of purpose addressing teaching and research; For senior level applicants: Statement of purpose addressing teaching, research, and service.
(4) List of five references with contact information.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applicants will commence immediately, and the positions will remain open until filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Ms. Kim Ward at kdward1@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.