Assistant professor of mechanical engineering

Reference #: REQ_0000073169

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POSITION SPECIFICS

Position: Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering with Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing

Position Summary: Mechanical and manufacturing engineering is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) through automation, design optimization, predictive maintenance, quality control, and many other enhancements with use of AI to produce more efficient manufacturing processes.As a part of cluster hire, this tenure-track position will play a leading role in transformation of manufacturing courses and research within the Mechanical Engineering program at Penn State Harrisburg. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with cutting-edge knowledge of AI and ML use in mechanical and manufacturing engineering who shares our commitment to teaching, research, and service. The successful candidate will contribute to our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for students, foster robust, collaborative research, and engage in service activities supporting institutional goals.

Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities of the Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Manufacturing include the following:

Teaching: The candidate will be expected to teach 6 credit hours per semester for the first two years and 9 credits per semester after the 2nd year. Teaching assignments may be reduced based on research productivity. Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate and graduate courses in Mechanical Engineering. Relevant topics may include modern manufacturing, automation, robotics, control and Human-System integration/interface (including Virtual/Augmented Reality).

Faculty will be expected to teach in both the residential BS in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology and MS degree programs in Mechanical Engineering. Faculty also may be asked to offer courses in the engineering PhD program. Faculty also will be expected to participate in recruitment and retention activities, advise both undergraduate and graduate students, and supervise graduate student culminating experiences. Research: The candidate will contribute to our growing emphasis on smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, internet of things (IoT) and sustainability. This role will focus on AI-driven solutions in Industry 4.0, with emphasis on manufacturing process automation and optimization. The successful candidate will have opportunities to support ongoing initiatives and develop new initiatives in smart manufacturing, digital factories, intelligent systems, robotics and automation including human-system interfaces, energy and infrastructure, and sustainability. Collaboration across engineering, computer science, and environmental science and engineering disciplines is encouraged to advance manufacturing in the 21st century. Service: Faculty are expected to serve on committees at the department, school, and college level so that the mission of the college and university are advanced. Professional service activities are supported and expected by all faculty. Faculty are also expected to actively promote and advance the school's steadfast commitment to inclusive education and improve the range of voices in STEM to their professional and the regional community of south-central Pennsylvania.

Qualifications: To be considered for the Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering, candidates should possess the following qualifications:

Education: Candidates must have a doctoral degree by August 2026 in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. Expertise: The successful candidate will have a background in mechanical engineering with emphasis on the use of AI, machine learning and other advanced technologies to address the challenges of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

Experience: Preference will be given to candidates who have prior teaching and research experience with use of AI and ML in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.

Application Process: To apply for the Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering, please visit Penn State's Human Resources website hr.psu.edu/careers and submit the following documents:

Cover Letter: The cover letter should include the candidate's interest in the position, a brief summary of their qualifications, and how they have incorporated inclusive excellence in their educational experiences. Curriculum Vitae: The curriculum vitae should highlight the following: the candidate's education, teaching, professional experience, research, and service to their prior educational institutions, their communities, and the profession. Teaching Philosophy: Candidates must submit a statement of teaching philosophy that highlights past experience and future plans for their teaching and that addresses their strategies for promoting inclusive excellence in the classroom. Research Philosophy: Candidates must submit a statement of research philosophy that addresses research interest, past accomplishments and future goals with emphasis on Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. Professional References: Candidates must submit a list of three professional references with contact information.

System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For additional questions, please contact: Dr. Amit Banerjee, Search Chair, at [email protected].

About Penn State/The College/ The School:

Penn State Harrisburg is a campus of the Pennsylvania State University, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's land-grant institution, serving more than 85,000 students. Penn State Harrisburg, the Capital College, enrolls 4,600 students in residential instruction and an additional 1,000 students in programs delivered online via the University's World Campus. Penn State Harrisburg offers two associate, 35 baccalaureate, 25 Master's, and three doctoral degrees. The college also offers the first two years of study leading to more than 275 baccalaureate majors available throughout Penn State. Additionally, the campus participates in nine online degree offerings (six graduate and three undergraduate) through Penn State World Campus, and offers accelerated undergraduate/graduate programs, joint degrees in collaboration with Penn State Dickinson Law and the Penn State College of Medicine, and continuing education opportunities. The School of Science, Engineering, and Technology is the largest school at Penn State Harrisburg. The School offers undergraduate degrees in computer science, engineering (civil, mechanical, and electrical), mathematical sciences, biology, and integrated sciences, as well as degrees in engineering technology in the areas of electrical, mechanical, and structural design and construction engineering technology. We also offer resid