Associate/Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is a leading public institution in Colorado and ranks among the most research-active public universities in the United States. The College of Engineering and Applied Science is the second largest school or college on the CU Boulder campus, boasting top 10 rankings for its public graduate engineering program and top 20 rankings for its undergraduate engineering program, with several specialty programs also ranked within the top 20. Our faculty includes approximately 250 tenure-track professors, 115 instructional-track professors, and 30 research-track professors, who collectively serve over 6,000 undergraduate students, 1,300 master's students, and 1,000 PhD students. We are equally committed to our campus plan to create supportive environments and our college's strategic vision, which are both crucial for fostering an environment of academic excellence.

The candidate’s service will be carried out on the Western Colorado University campus in Gunnison, Colorado as part of the Western Colorado University – CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program (EPP). The EPP provides students with the opportunity to obtain a CU Boulder degree while staying on Western Colorado University’s campus. The EPP is housed in a new $60M dollar facility with state-of-the-art labs and facilities, allowing the program to concentrate on industry-focused projects and project-based learning initiatives, in a small classroom environment.

The EPP provides a terrific opportunity to work in a university setting and enjoy all the amenities of small town living in the mountains of central Colorado. Located in historic Gunnison, Western is minutes from mountain biking, skiing, climbing, rafting, hiking. The Gunnison School District is consistently highly rated and after-school opportunities abound. We are a short drive (or free bus ride) from the charming resort town of Crested Butte, which offers a classic ski town experience. Additional information regarding the Department of Mechanical Engineering as well as our research and academic programs can be found here.

• The typical workload distribution of Associate or Full Teaching Professor serving as Co-Director is 65% teaching and 35% service.
• The EPP Co-Director will be responsible for:
• Recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of CU Boulder faculty and staff.
• Coordination of faculty assignments and course scheduling for CU Boulder faculty and courses.
• Coordination and communication within and between WCU and CU Boulder.
• Supervision of the EPP’s student recruitment, advising, and academic support activities.
• Program assessment and accreditation per CU Boulder’s requirements and processes.
• Coordinating assignment of rooms and equipment/supplies maintenance and purchase.
• Working with development and grants offices on fundraising and industry outreach.
• Meeting with the Partnership Advisory Board once a semester.
• Development of an annual report for submission to WCU and CU Boulder.
• Program Oversight and Administration.

• The anticipated start date for this position is January 2026, however a later start date may be negotiated.
• Your service will be carried out on the Western Colorado University campus in Gunnison, Colorado, in the context of our Western Colorado University – University of Colorado Boulder (WCU/CU) Partnership Program.

• The anticipated salary range for this position at the Associate Teaching Professor rank is $100,000 - $114,000 academic year salary.
• Qualified candidates will be considered for Full Teaching Professor rank. The full salary range is $114,000 to $125,000.
• You will also receive a 10% stipend based on your academic year salary for the duration you serve as Faculty Director.
• A relocation stipend is available within CEAS guidelines.
• In addition to a competitive salary, the University of Colorado Boulder offers gender-neutral paid parental leave; housing down-payment assistance programs; a relocation and dual career assistance program; and teaching and professional development.

Associate Teaching Professor:

• Candidate must have earned a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field and must also have a minimum 6 years of teaching mechanical engineering or a closely related field at a higher education level and meet unit criteria at this rank.

Or

• A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field with either: (i) at least three years of experience working in a related industry and a minimum 6 years of teaching mechanical engineering or a closely related field at a higher education level, or (ii) a minimum 9 years of teaching mechanical engineering or a closely related field at a higher education level. Candidate must also meet unit criteria at this rank.

Full Teaching Professor:

• For a candidate to be considered for appointment to the Full Teaching Professor rank, the applicant must meet the criteria for Associate Teaching Professor and have an additional three years of teaching experience at a higher education level. Candidate must also demonstrate a record of distinction and meet unit criteria at this rank. For appointment to the Full Teaching Professor rank, the applicant must meet the criteria for Associate Teaching Professor and have an additional three years of teaching experience at a higher education level. Candidate must also demonstrate a record of distinction and meet unit criteria at this rank.

• Demonstration of a strong commitment to high-quality undergraduate engineering education and active engagement in the mechanical engineering field.
• Demonstration of a commitment to use evidence-based pedagogical practices including experiential and project-based learning within undergraduate engineering education.
• Demonstration of excellent communication and relationship building skills.
• Ability to teach both lecture and lab-based courses.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to develop and execute a strategic vision.
• Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political, and geographical differences, with the ability to work well with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels.

• Prior experience in academic leadership at the Associate Chair/Director or Chair/Director levels.
• Experience successfully executing any of the below responsibilities:
• Faculty and staff recruitment, supervision, and evaluation.
• Coordinating faculty assignments and course scheduling.
• Leading efforts related to student recruitment, advising, and academic support activities.
• Managing program assessment and accreditation processes.
• Coordinating assignment of rooms and equipment/supplies maintenance and purchase.
• Working with development and grants offices on fundraising and industry outreach.
• Program oversight and administration, including reporting on annual performance of a program.