Mechanical Engineering Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of technological advancement, the role of mechanical engineering professors has never been more crucial.

As technology evolves, so does the demand for expert minds who can educate, lead, and inspire the next generation of mechanical engineers.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a mechanical engineering professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to comprehend the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of mechanical engineering education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable mechanical engineering professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Mechanical Engineering Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Mechanical Engineering Professors use their expert knowledge in the field of mechanical engineering to educate students and conduct research.

They are responsible for not only imparting knowledge but also encouraging critical thinking and innovative problem-solving.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Teaching a broad range of mechanical engineering topics to undergraduate and graduate students
• Preparing course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Developing and delivering lectures to students on topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics
• Conducting research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Supervising students’ laboratory and project work
• Evaluating and grading students’ class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers
• Maintaining student attendance records, grades, and other required records
• Guiding, mentoring, and advising students on their academic and career paths
• Participating in departmental meetings and college-wide committees as required
• Keeping up-to-date with new developments and techniques in the field of mechanical engineering
• Applying for and managing research funding

 

Mechanical Engineering Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Mechanical Engineering Professor to join our academic team.

The candidate will be responsible for developing and delivering lectures, conducting and supervising laboratory work, and advancing research in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

The ideal candidate is an experienced educator with a deep understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, innovative teaching methodologies, and a strong commitment to academic research.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver lectures on various topics in Mechanical Engineering.
• Prepare and implement innovative teaching methodologies.
• Supervise and guide student projects and research activities.
• Advise students on academic and career issues.
• Conduct research and publish findings in academic journals.
• Participate in departmental and college activities.
• Stay updated with latest advancements in the field of Mechanical Engineering.
• Engage in continuous professional development.
• Maintain office hours to assist and advise students.

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Previous teaching experience at a college or university level.
• Demonstrated record of research in Mechanical Engineering.
• Proficiency in software relevant to Mechanical Engineering, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong commitment to academic research and high-quality teaching.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance for faculty and family

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Mechanical Engineering
• Work Environment: Academic setting. Some travel may be required for conferences and professional development opportunities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a list of three references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Mechanical Engineering Professor Do?

Mechanical Engineering Professors are specialized educators who work at colleges, universities, and technical institutions.

They are responsible for teaching courses in the discipline of mechanical engineering, which can range from fundamental principles to advanced specialized topics.

Their main tasks include preparing and delivering lectures, designing and overseeing lab experiments, creating course materials like syllabi, homework assignments, and tests.

They also need to keep themselves updated with the latest developments in the field to include them in their lessons.

Mechanical Engineering Professors usually conduct research in their area of expertise, often with the assistance of graduate students.

They write research papers and articles, present findings at conferences, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

In addition to teaching and research, they also advise students on academic issues, supervise student’s research projects, participate in committee work, and take part in departmental meetings.

Mechanical Engineering Professors play a significant role in preparing students for careers in engineering and related fields by providing them with essential theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking abilities.

 

Mechanical Engineering Professor Qualifications and Skills

A successful Mechanical Engineering Professor should have a combination of technical knowledge, soft skills, and academic expertise, such as:

• Deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and concepts to effectively teach and inspire students.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills to convey complex engineering concepts in an understandable way to diverse student groups.
• Research skills to stay updated with latest advancements in the field of mechanical engineering and incorporate them into the curriculum.
• Proficient in using various teaching aids and online platforms to deliver lectures, conduct experiments, and assess student performances.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster a positive learning environment, encourage student participation, and handle any student-related issues tactfully.
• Ability to design and implement curriculum according to university standards and accreditation requirements.
• Problem-solving abilities to facilitate practical learning and guide students in their projects.
• Experience in academic advising and mentoring to guide students in their academic and career paths.

 

Mechanical Engineering Professor Experience Requirements

Aspiring Mechanical Engineering Professors typically begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.

This is followed by a master’s degree, and most often, a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering.

At the educational level, they would be expected to have conducted extensive research, participated in internships, or even worked on projects that demonstrate their practical understanding and application of mechanical engineering principles.

Following their education, candidates usually gain industry experience, often ranging from 3 to 5 years or more.

This practical experience could be in roles such as Mechanical Engineer, Project Engineer, or Design Engineer where they can further refine their technical skills.

Many universities prefer candidates who have previous teaching or mentoring experience.

This could be as a Teaching Assistant during their doctoral studies, or through guest lecturing, tutoring, or mentoring roles.

Candidates with more than 5-7 years of experience, a strong research portfolio, and a number of published works are often eligible for tenure-track positions.

Those with more than 10 years of experience, significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering through research and publications, and a proven track record of excellence in teaching may be considered for senior roles, such as Department Chair or Dean.

 

Mechanical Engineering Professor Education and Training Requirements

A Mechanical Engineering Professor typically requires a PhD in mechanical engineering or a related field.

This path often begins with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s degree.

During their undergraduate and graduate studies, they should gain a solid understanding of core engineering principles, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, material science, and structural analysis.

After earning a master’s degree, aspiring Mechanical Engineering Professors typically move on to a doctoral program.

It is during this time that they begin to specialize in a particular area of mechanical engineering, such as robotics, automotive design, or energy systems, and conduct original research in that area.

Upon completion of the PhD, some may choose to gain industry experience before transitioning into academia, although this is not a strict requirement.

For those aspiring to teach at the university level, post-doctoral work or other scholarly research is highly recommended to develop a strong research profile.

In addition to these educational qualifications, excellent communication skills and a strong desire to guide and mentor future engineers are crucial traits for a Mechanical Engineering Professor.

Continuing education is also important as it ensures the professor stays up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in mechanical engineering.

This can be achieved through professional development courses, attending industry conferences, and staying active in professional engineering organizations.

Lastly, depending on the institution, Mechanical Engineering Professors may be required to hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

 

Mechanical Engineering Professor Salary Expectations

A Mechanical Engineering Professor earns an average salary of $98,617 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the prestige of the institution, and the region in which they are employed.

 

Mechanical Engineering Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are required for a Mechanical Engineering Professor?

A Mechanical Engineering Professor should hold a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.

They should have a strong academic record with substantial research and publications.

Moreover, some universities may also require teaching experience or significant industrial experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

 

What are the typical duties of a Mechanical Engineering Professor?

A Mechanical Engineering Professor’s primary duties typically include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Mechanical Engineering, supervising graduate students’ research, conducting original research in their area of expertise, and publishing their findings in academic journals.

They may also be involved in academic advising, curriculum development, lab management, and service to the university such as committee work.

 

What skills are important for a Mechanical Engineering Professor?

A Mechanical Engineering Professor must have extensive knowledge in their area of expertise, strong research skills, and the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and effective manner.

They should be adept at facilitating classroom discussions, grading student work, and mentoring students.

They should also have the ability to secure research funding, manage research projects, and publish scholarly articles.

 

How can one become a Mechanical Engineering Professor?

To become a Mechanical Engineering Professor, an individual usually needs to obtain a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

They should then gain experience through post-doctoral research positions or industry roles.

It is also beneficial to have a record of research and publications in the field.

After gaining sufficient experience and expertise, individuals can apply for faculty positions in universities.

 

What makes a good Mechanical Engineering Professor?

A good Mechanical Engineering Professor is passionate about the subject and enthusiastic about sharing this passion with their students.

They can communicate complex ideas effectively, inspire and motivate students, and create an engaging learning environment.

They are also active in research, constantly contributing to the advancement of the field, and they engage in continual professional development to stay current with emerging trends and technologies in Mechanical Engineering.

 

Conclusion

So there we have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on what it genuinely means to be a mechanical engineering professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching equations.

It’s about shaping the future of engineering, one lecture at a time.

With our comprehensive mechanical engineering professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for meticulously-crafted job listings or refining your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every lecture you deliver is a part of the bigger engineering landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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