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Engineering Professor Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Engineering Professor information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$11K

$162.4K

How much do engineering professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering professor in Naperville, IL is $160,758.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,900.00 and $160,900.00 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an engineering professor?

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 near Naperville, IL are hiring for Engineering Professor jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Engineering Professor job openings:
Engineering Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Professor job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,758 per year, or $77.3 per hour.

Associate Professor/Professor (Open Rank), Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi)

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The University of Chicago invites applications for multiple faculty positions (tenured associate or full professor) from scholars who will make significant contributions to Climate Systems Engineering. The University is building a world-leading Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) with multiple faculty hires addressing solar geoengineering, open-system carbon removal such as enhanced weathering, and interventions to limit loss of glacial ice. We seek individuals who will lead research programs that will produce significant contributions to their field and to this research initiative.
Applications are welcome from all relevant academic disciplines, including physical and biological sciences, social sciences, engineering, and humanities, for tenured faculty positions at the ranks of tenured Associate Professor and/or Professor. Applications are welcome from scholars who have not previously worked on climate systems engineering and from scholars who focus on the physical or social risks of Climate Systems Engineering. Appointments will be made in an appropriate primary department based on field, with secondary appointment(s) in another unit possible.
Research on Climate Systems Engineering is inherently interdisciplinary, so we seek individuals with a track record of collaboration beyond their discipline; the University's culture is highly collaborative.
This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree.
  • Evidence of leadership in the field and a record of independent research.

Application Instructions
The following materials are required:
  • A cover letter,
  • A curriculum vitae,
  • A statement of research (up to 5 pages) that describes how you plan to integrate research on climate systems engineering into your overall research trajectory,
  • A statement of teaching philosophy and experience.

The following additional materials may be requested:
  • Names and contact information of three individuals who can provide confidential letters of recommendation.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Chicago academic careers website: https://apply.interfolio.com/176474.
Review of applications will begin on November 24, 2025, and will continue until all positions are filled.

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