Job Description

Title: Associate/Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Employee Classification: Associate Professor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Engineering
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The new College of Engineering at Illinois State University invites applications for a full-time, tenured position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering and help shape a growing program. The successful candidate will contribute to course development, teaching laboratories, student engagement and professional activities, and the development of a research program. We seek a passionate and highly motivated individual with expertise in dynamic systems, controls, robotics, or mechatronics.

As a faculty member, you will teach and mentor students across robotics, mechatronics, and control systems, preparing them for real-world challenges including but not limited to intelligent automation and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to engineered systems. This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to shape the future of an entire department and a chance to contribute to ISU's legacy of innovation and academic excellence.

University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/.

Additional Information

The department’s mission is to provide a transformative educational experience that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical values needed to excel in the world of mechanical engineering. We benefit from our strategic location in a rapidly growing region that includes emerging industry leaders and companies. The ISU Department of Mechanical Engineering External Advisory Board includes members from Rivian Automotive, Caterpillar Inc., Apalis, ADM, and others who are enthusiastic and supportive of launching an outstanding mechanical engineering program. As a faculty member, you will have the chance to lead accreditation efforts, foster strong industry connections, and collaborate on real-world projects, preparing our students to excel in the dynamic field of mechanical engineering.

At ISU, we value passion for teaching, a commitment to impactful research, and a collaborative spirit to serve our community and profession. We foster a collaborative environment that inspires intellectual curiosity and an entrepreneurial spirit.

As an R2 research institution, our 150-year journey has built a solid foundation for academic achievement, where our historic legacy meets cutting-edge innovation. Located in the vibrant twin cities of Normal and Bloomington, ISU's 1,111-acre campus serves as a dynamic academic hub which embodies a diverse and thriving community, fostering both intellectual rigor and a friendly, welcoming environment. The College of Engineering recently inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art facility in ISU’s Campus East. The two-floor facility can accommodate 700 students and is equipped with computer and teaching labs, classrooms, a makerspace, a wood and metal shop, and a student success center. Further renovations planned for the second phase will allow the college to accommodate more than 1,000 students.

Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in seven colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

Associate Professor $90,000 – $125,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full Professor $115,000 – $135,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related field.
3. Demonstrable oral proficiency in the English language, as required by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

August 16, 2027

Required Applicant Documents

1. A detailed curriculum vitae.
2. A cover letter, not to exceed two pages, addressing the candidate’s experience relative to the responsibilities of the position.
3. A teaching statement, not to exceed two pages.
4. A research statement, not to exceed four pages.
5. A service statement, not to exceed one page.
6. The names, titles, and contact information of three professional references.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Initial review of applications begins November 16, 2026.

Contact Information for Applicants

Kathi Cannon, kacann1@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.