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Assistant Professor Of Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Rochester, MI

Oakland University

Assistant Professor

Rochester, MI · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Job Title Assistant Professor Department 2102 - Mechanical ... of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS), Mechanical Engineering (ME) department More About ...

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Assistant Professor Of Mechanical Engineering information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$39.1K

$73.7K

$124.3K

How much do assistant professor of mechanical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor of mechanical engineering in Rochester, MI is $73,688.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,200.00 and $84,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant professor of mechanical engineering do?

An Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering typically teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, conducts research in areas like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or robotics, and publishes their findings in academic journals. They also mentor students, supervise laboratory work, and may participate in curriculum development. Additionally, they often collaborate with industry partners and contribute to their department through service activities such as committee work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, a relevant PhD, and a record of research and publications. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and experience with laboratory equipment are typically required, along with knowledge of grant writing and academic publishing systems. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help in teaching diverse student groups and collaborating on research projects. These competencies are crucial for effective teaching, advancing research, and contributing to the academic community.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant professors of mechanical engineering during their early years, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Professors of Mechanical Engineering often face the dual challenge of balancing research productivity with teaching responsibilities, especially during their early years. Managing time effectively between preparing lectures, advising students, and establishing a research agenda can be demanding. Proactively seeking mentorship, collaborating with colleagues, and utilizing institutional resources such as teaching workshops can help ease this transition. Additionally, setting clear priorities and maintaining a structured schedule are crucial strategies for managing workload and progressing toward tenure.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Of Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssistant Professor Of Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, universities, research institutionsIndustrial firms, manufacturing plants, design offices
Primary ResponsibilitiesTeaching, research, publishing, academic serviceDesign, analysis, testing, product development
Industry UsageHigher education, research grants, academiaProduct development, engineering projects, manufacturing

The main difference is that an Assistant Professor Of Mechanical Engineering primarily focuses on teaching and research within academic institutions, often requiring advanced degrees like a Ph.D.. In contrast, a Mechanical Engineer works in industry, applying engineering principles to design and develop products or systems. Both roles require a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Assistant Professor Of Mechanical Engineering jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Assistant Professor Of Mechanical Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Of Mechanical Engineering job openings in Rochester, MI as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,688 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Detroit, MI • On-site

Wayne State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Wayne State Universityexternal

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor - Mechanical Engineering at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
The Mechanical Engineering Department at Wayne State University invites candidates to apply for a tenure-track faculty position. We expect to make the appointment at the Assistant Professor level, but will consider senior-level candidates with a strong track record of major external funding and peer-reviewed publications.
Duties involve teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels, introducing new courses in the applicant's respective field of expertise, developing a strong record of peer-reviewed journal publications, establishing an impactful and sustainable externally funded research program, supervising and mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students, and engaging in professional societies and university services.
Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a doctorate in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field, with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and connected mobility applied to the modeling, design, control, testing, and operation of mechanical and physical mobility systems.
  • Advanced materials and manufacturing encompassing the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in design and manufacturing, materials informatics and big data design, smart manufacturing, characterization and processing of materials, scalable and adaptable manufacturing processes.
  • Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology, advanced propulsion technologies, including electric and hybrid systems, unmanned systems flight dynamics, control and autonomy, energy storage solutions to increase range and efficiency for electric VTOL aircraft.

The anticipated starting date of employment is August 18, 2027. This position is a 9-month appointment. All applicants must submit their applications through the WSU Online Hiring System at https://waynetalent.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home?c=waynetalent.
Electronic applications must include a letter of application; curriculum vita; names, addresses, and contact information for at least three references, a personal statement regarding teaching and research activities (limited to 3 pages), and selected refereed journal publications (limited to 3 papers). Emailed applications will not be accepted.
The review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026 and the search will remain open until the position is filled. Salary and rank of position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
School/College/Division:
H05 - College of Engineering
Primary department:
H0507 - Mechanical Engineering
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Academic/Faculty
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
Working conditions:
This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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