Human Resources

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our academic team as a Faculty Member in Mechatronics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechatronics, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to fostering the growth and development of students in this field. As a faculty member, you will be key in educating and inspiring the next generation of mechatronics professionals while contributing to research and curriculum development in this dynamic field. The successful applicant will demonstrate appropriate technical expertise and industrial experience to teach mechatronics-related courses and develop a research program in the Applied Computing (AC) and Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MMET) Departments. Courses may include Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) and Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) undergraduate courses, but the emphasis will be on graduate courses for the MS in Mechatronics. Candidates will have an active research agenda related to industrial control and automation, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control system integration, instrumentation, PID and advanced process control, motor drives, machine control, process sensors, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), digital twins, Industrial Ethernet, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and/or industrial cybersecurity. Applicants with the required education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and accomplishments commensurate with a higher rank will also be considered for an appointment at the rank of associate or full professor.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Teaching:
• Develop and deliver high-quality lectures and laboratory sessions in mechatronics at undergraduate and graduate levels, covering topics in electro-mechanical systems such as robotics, automation, and control systems.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to students in their academic and research endeavors.
• Be proactive in developing new courses related to emerging industry needs.

Research:
• Engage in research activities related to mechatronics and contribute to the development of new knowledge and technologies.
• Publish research findings in reputable academic journals and present at conferences.
• Seek external funding opportunities and grants to support research projects.
Curriculum Development:
• Collaborate with colleagues to design, update, and improve the mechatronics curriculum to ensure its alignment with industry standards and emerging technologies.
• Integrate innovative teaching methods into the curriculum, including online resources and hands-on experiences.

Student Advising:
• Provide academic and career advising to undergraduate and graduate students interested in mechatronics, assisting them in setting and achieving their educational and professional goals.
• Support student projects, research initiatives, and extracurricular activities related to mechatronics.

Service and Engagement:
• Participate in departmental meetings, committees, and academic events.
• Participate in program assessment activities related to accreditation.
• Contribute to advancing the department and institution through involvement in administrative and service-related tasks.
• Collaborate with industry partners and maintain strong connections with the mechatronics community.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

Doctorate in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a closely related engineering or engineering technology field from an accredited institution.

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

1. Minimum of 2 years relevant engineering experience in an industrial, government, or academic research setting.
2. Evidence of effective teaching at the postsecondary level, which may be extensive experience as a teaching assistant.
3. Evidence of strong oral and written communication, computer, and oral presentation skills.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

1. Extensive college/university teaching experience in mechatronics, mechanical and/or electrical areas.
2. Ability to teach MET undergraduate courses and laboratories such as statics and dynamics, applied quality techniques, Industrial simulation, and applied fluid power.
3. Ability to teach EET undergraduate courses and laboratories such as Data Communication, Industrial Controls, and Controls Systems Integrations.
4. Ability to teach MET graduate courses in the following areas: electrohydraulic components & systems, dynamics and kinematics for robotic systems, industry 4.0 concepts, and key factors of holistic safety programs.
5. Ability to teach EET graduate courses in the following areas: Programmable Logic Controllers and Mechatronics Systems.
6. Extensive relevant engineering experience beyond two years.
7. Certifications in SACA smart automation, Six Sigma, or others.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

1. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to teach both electrical and mechanical subjects.
2. Demonstrated evidence of applied research.
3. Ability to develop partnerships with industry.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

1. Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) registration.
2. History of funded applied research.
3. Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is that of a typical office and/or classroom setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. This is not an E-Verified Position.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

9 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

Department Chair

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applications are to be submitted online at http://www.employment.mtu.edu/cw/en-us/job/493436

For full consideration, complete application packages should be received by February 16, 2024.

Applicants will need to upload the following documents:

Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research Agenda
Teaching History/Philosophy

We strongly encourage applicants to address the required and desired qualifications in their cover letter along with an explanation of how they will contribute to the Vision and Mission of Michigan Tech.

Additional Information

Visit the MMET Department website for information on the MET undergraduate degree, graduate certificates, and MS in Manufacturing Engineering. 

Michigan Tech is located in Houghton, MI on the south shore of Lake Superior. Houghton was recently named one of the 100 best small towns in America and the local community provides excellent resources conducive to quality family life. This area is known for its natural beauty, pleasant summers, abundant snowfall, and numerous all-season outdoor activities. The University maintains its own downhill and cross-country ski facilities adjacent to campus and a nearby golf course. Numerous cultural activities and opportunities are available on campus and in the community.

Michigan Tech is proud to be an ADVANCE Institution that has thrice received National Science Foundation support to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM.

Michigan Tech recognizes the importance of supporting faculty members’ partners; candidates selected for on-campus interviews will be invited to bring a guest. Additional details on our Partner Engagement Program can be found at https://www.mtu.edu/provost/programs/partner-engagement/.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer, that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.