Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

The Department of Engineering & Physics at Abilene Christian University seeks an energetic, talented mechanical engineer for a tenure track assistant professor or non-tenure track Professor of Practice position to assist in the establishment of a new degree program in mechanical engineering. These positions offer excellent opportunities to contribute to and shape the program through curricular development, classroom teaching, student mentorship, and possible administrative duties.

Ideal tenure track candidates will have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering , engineering education, or in a closely related engineering discipline. Tenure track candidates should have a demonstrated potential to teach a variety of engineering courses effectively in our program’s curriculum, experience in research and scholarship activities appropriate to the discipline, and potential to build a sustainable research program involving undergraduates.

The ideal non-tenure track professor of practice candidates will have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, engineering education, or a closely related engineering discipline or a master’s degree and more than 10 years of relevant industry experience. Professor of practice candidates should have demonstrated potential to teach a variety of engineering courses effectively in our program’s curriculum.

Interested persons should apply as soon as possible. Full consideration will be given to applications received by Dec. 15, 2024. Nominations of and applications from qualified women and minorities are especially encouraged. Applications will be accepted until positions have been filled. Anticipated start date is August 2025. 

ACU’s engineering program started in the Fall of 2012 and currently has approximately 160 students. The current program is ABET/EAC accredited under “General Engineering.” The program currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a concentration in mechanical engineering, but starting in Fall 2024, the program will begin offering a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. The department has more than 50,000 square feet of class and lab space available for teaching, learning, and research. Additionally, Abilene Christian University was ranked in the Top 10 in three categories (Service Learning, First-Year Experience, and Learning Communities) and ranked in a total of five out of eight categories in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 “Programs to Look For” benchmarks. Applicants must convincingly demonstrate how they can mentor ACU students toward entering and leading in the engineering workplace from day one. Candidates should also demonstrate how they can be flexible, adaptable, and resourceful in supporting this fast growing program.

Typical Duties:
- Effectively teach discipline specific engineering courses as well as a variety of lower level general engineering courses.
- Partner in continuously improving teaching, courses, and labs to support curricular development and ABET accreditation.
- Develop, encourage, and participate in engineering experiential learning activities.
- Develop instructional methods that reflect best practices in engineering pedagogy.
- Mentor engineering students in academic progress, career planning, and capstone projects.
- Serve as advisor for student professional groups.
- Develop a program of scholarly activities which involves undergraduate students and is consistent with the candidate’s interests and university mission.

Minimum Qualifications
- Earned Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field (non-tenure track).
- Earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (tenure track).
- Past record of effective communication, teamwork, and planning skills.
- Record of demonstrated potential for scholarly work.

Preferred Qualifications
- Classroom teaching experience at the University level.
- 10 + years engineering experience
- Coursework or formal training in engineering education pedagogy.
- Experience in course and curriculum development.
- Professional engineering licensure or ability to obtain one.
- Demonstrated ability to gain research funding for scholarly work.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.