Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering (AA28005)

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified
Closing Date (if designated).

Working Title:

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering (AA28005)

Institution:

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Classification Title:

State University Faculty

Bargaining Unit / Union:

209: Inter Faculty Organization

City:

Mankato

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Unlimited Academic

Salary Range:

$64,963.00 - $193,146.00

Salary Type: Depends on qualifications

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on
November 17, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Position: Tenure-Track (Probationary*)

Job Duties

Mechanical engineering at Minnesota State University, Mankato has a
tenure track assistant professor position opening in the area of
robotics/control and instrumentation. Teach undergraduate and
graduate courses in mechanical engineering with a specific focus on
control, robotics. Maintain a laboratory and experiments for
instruction in the areas and fundamental course(s) as needed by the
department. Engage students with practical educational and research
activities. Engage in student development and mentorship. Work with
faculty and staff in a collegial and cooperative manner.
Participate in departmental service activities, including program
assessment, interaction with prospective students, working with
student organizations, etc. The expected starting date is fall
2027.

• A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to

twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year.

• The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as

assigned and qualified.

• May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid,

and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at
the university's additional locations, as assigned.

• The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in

curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research
productively and mentor students in research, help create
innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and
completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding
opportunities.

• The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching

undergraduate and/or graduate courses in ­Mechanical engineering
with a specific focus on control, robotics, numerical method, solid
mechanics/design laboratory courses and fundamental course(s) as
needed by the department.

• All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or

creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study,
in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing
service to the university and community (See Article 22 and
Appendix G of the IFO Master
Agreement)

• This position will advise undergraduate and graduate students

in mechanical engineering as needed by the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related

field.

• Demonstrated expertise in the areas of robotics/control and

instrumentation.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from

a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional
environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for
all.

Preferred Qualification

• Demonstrated expertise in mechanical systems control, robotics,

and instrumentation, as evidenced by a strong record of scholarly
research, peer-reviewed journal publications, and presentations at
professional conferences in these areas.

• Prior industrial experiences in the application of control and

robotics.

• Demonstrated commitment to active learning and to developing

innovative ways to support learning.

• Demonstrated potential for research, creativity, or scholarly

activity in the area of mechanical system control/robotics and
instrumentation.

• Currently licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or

demonstrated potential to obtain PE licensure.

• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and

respectful environment while working effectively with individuals
from diverse backgrounds.

Application Procedures:

A complete online application will include the following
attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the
search committee.

• Cover Letter
• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Contact Information for three (3) references
• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree
• A brief (no more than one-page) response to the following:

Provide a specific example from your professional or academic
experience that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with
individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. In your
response, describe the actions you took to foster an environment
that was inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all. What was the
outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

• A one (1) page statement of your teaching philosophy
• A one (1) page statement of your research/scholarly

interests

• Evidence of PE license if available

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Shaobiao Cai

Mechanical & Civil Engineering

Minnesota State University, Mankato

205 Trafton East

Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-1918

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: shaobiao.cai@mnsu.edu

Other Requirements

The University may be able to provide employment visa sponsorship
for qualified candidates, subject to USCIS guidelines and
eligibility requirements.

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to,
participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well
as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State
University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate
tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire
Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required
by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics
for the University. The policy statements address the school's
policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security.
Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of
crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other
University affiliated locations. This report is available online
at: http://mankato.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may
also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111,
or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

Additional Information

The Mechanical Engineering Program at Minnesota State University,
Mankato, housed within the Department of Mechanical and Civil
Engineering in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology,
offers both B.S. and M.S. degrees. Accredited by ABET, the BSME
program has been offered since 1986 and prepares students for a
broad professional engineering careers. The undergraduate
curriculum provides practical application oriented training in
mechanical engineering principles such as design, mechanics, HAVC,
manufacturing, control, mechatronics and robotics. The graduate
program builds on this foundation with advanced coursework and
engineering applications and research in mechanical
engineering.

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can
be found at: www.mnsu.edu

*The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however,
salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and
experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota
State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision,
Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across
race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic
location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college
and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to
create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for
their communities. The focus of the work includes:

• Enhancing access and student success.
• Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.
• Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.

Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and
institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of
equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice
embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is
linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.

Destination 2030, the
University's strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in
August 2023, commits the University to making transformative
strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to
an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in
transformational learning generating inspired action; being a
nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community
of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to
attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically
diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment
to creating an inclusive learning and working environment.
Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and
focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves
learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University,
Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a
tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find
solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global
society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500
people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis
and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal
nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We
acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the
opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the
homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our
name-Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is
an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic
programs, from bachelor's through doctoral degrees. The University
is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175
+ international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge
information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with
1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The
University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line
programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These
locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota's the iron
range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here:
https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

*Employment for this position is covered by the collective
bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can
be found at:https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/.

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet
Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business
who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to
MN State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle
Records check.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications
and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable
bargaining unit agreement or personnel plan.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance
seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features
low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles,
employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and
pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over
option. To further support your holistic health, employees also
have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for
mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan
details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via
the State Employee Group Insurance Program
(SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid
holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid
Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with
a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and
various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth
by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers
for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit
eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of
position, employee classification, and collective bargaining
agreements.

Desired Start Date:

08-16-2027

Position End Date:

Open Date:

10-20-2026

Close Date:

05-01-2027

Posting Contact Name:

Lacie R Mitchell-Garza

Posting Contact Email:

lacie.mitchell-garza@mnsu.edu

To apply, visit: https://minnstate.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/Mankato/Assistant-Professor--Mechanical-Engineering--AA28005-_JR0000005945?Institution=a7c1912089511000d545e0844e430004

je-deca6302758940419d6f3ebedf4da329