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Engineering Professor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

University of Memphis

Associate Professor

Memphis, TN · On-site

... Professor in Epidemiology to join our interdisciplinary, collaborative team of faculty. The ... engineering, and related fields to advance SPH initiatives. * Teach four (4) 3-credit hour courses ...

University of Memphis

Associate Professor

Memphis, TN · On-site

... Professor in Epidemiology to join our interdisciplinary, collaborative team of faculty. The ... engineering, and related fields to advance SPH initiatives. * Teach four (4) 3-credit hour courses ...

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All JobsEngineering Professor JobsEngineering Professor Jobs in Tennessee

Engineering Professor information

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$10K

$147.5K

How much do engineering professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering professor in Tennessee is $146,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $146,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Engineering Professor do?

An Engineering Professor is responsible for teaching engineering courses at a college or university level, conducting research in their specialized field, and mentoring students. They design and deliver lectures, create course materials, and assess student performance. Additionally, Engineering Professors often work on research projects, publish scholarly articles, and may collaborate with industry partners. Their role also includes staying updated with advancements in engineering and contributing to the academic community through service and outreach.

What opportunities exist for professional development and research collaboration as an Engineering Professor?

Engineering Professors often have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities, including attending and presenting at academic conferences, applying for research grants, and collaborating with industry partners. Many universities encourage interdisciplinary projects, so professors regularly collaborate with colleagues from other departments and external organizations. These collaborative efforts not only enhance research impact but also provide avenues for career advancement, such as leading research centers or taking on administrative roles. Staying connected with professional societies and engaging in continuous learning are also integral parts of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Professor, you need an advanced degree (usually a PhD) in engineering or a related field, strong research background, and teaching experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, learning management systems (LMS), and research software such as MATLAB or AutoCAD is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student learning and collaboration. These qualifications and abilities are essential to deliver effective education, advance research, and contribute to the academic community.

What is the difference between Engineering Professor vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering ProfessorMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D.) in Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academic settingsManufacturing, design firms, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research organizationsEngineering firms, industrial companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic vs industry roles in engineeringCareer paths, job responsibilities, qualifications

Engineering Professors primarily work in academia, focusing on teaching and research, often requiring a Ph.D. and a background in engineering. Mechanical Engineers work in industry, applying engineering principles to design, develop, and manufacture products, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree. The roles differ in work environment, responsibilities, and career focus, with professors emphasizing education and research, while mechanical engineers focus on practical application and product development.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Engineering Professor jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Engineering Professor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Engineering Professor jobs in TN? For Engineering Professor jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Engineering Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Professor job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,038 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Open Rank Tenured/Tenure-track Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering - Energy

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Mechanical Engineering department at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering invites applications and nominations for an open-rank tenured/tenure-track faculty position to begin in the fall of 2026. This position is part of our commitment to establishing an interdisciplinary Energy Cluster aimed at addressing grand societal and scientific challenges.
The successful candidate(s) will have expertise that aligns with our strategic mission to enhance research and education in the broad field of engineered materials for energy applications. Areas of particular focus include, but are not limited to:
  • Synthesis of energy materials
  • Theoretical understanding through first-principles calculations and AI
  • Novel energy conversion, storage and transport techniques
  • Intelligent materials-based energy systems

Candidates who can contribute to the interdisciplinary strength of the Energy Cluster-or those with novel applications of emerging technologies related to energy materials-are highly encouraged to apply.
This hiring initiative reflects our dedication to strengthening collaboration across disciplines within the School of Engineering. We believe that through the Energy Cluster, we can elevate our research capacity, advance the frontiers of knowledge, and train the next generation of engineering leaders to uncover new insights and identify solutions to the key challenges outlined in our strategic plan: improving health for all humans, ensuring a sustainable planet, enhancing national security, and innovating beyond Earth.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University includes 22 primary faculty members (16 tenured/tenure-track), 8 staff members, approximately 280 undergraduate students, and 70 Ph.D. students. The department maintains a vibrant research environment with annual research expenditures of approximately $8 million. Our faculty are internationally recognized for research excellence in areas such as surgical robotics and rehabilitation engineering, nanophotonics, nanoscale energy transport, biomaterials and biomedical microdevices, fluid-structure interaction, combustion diagnostics, and additive manufacturing.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related fields by the time of appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Establish a nationally recognized research program supported by extramural funding.
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical engineering and materials science. Vanderbilt emphasizes excellence in teaching and mentoring next generation engineers and a successful candidate is expected to either become a highly effective educator (for tenure-track applicants) or with a proven track-record of teaching and mentoring excellence (for tenured applicants).
  • Contribute to departmental, school-wide, and university-wide initiatives, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.

Application Instructions
Applications will be reviewed as they are received; those received by December 1, 2025, will be given full consideration. Applications should include the following materials:
  1. Cover letter
  2. Complete curriculum vitae
  3. Statement of research interests, highlighting potential collaborative opportunities within and beyond the Energy Cluster
  4. Statement of teaching philosophy, including innovative approaches to teaching and curriculum development
  5. Service statement (required for tenure applicants only)
  6. Contact information for at least three references

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