ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mechanical Engineering Professor Jobs in Colorado

All JobsMechanical Engineering Professor JobsMechanical Engineering Professor Jobs in Colorado

Mechanical Engineering Professor information

See Colorado salary details

$23.1K

$82.3K

$162.9K

How much do mechanical engineering professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering professor in Colorado is $82,323.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,890.00 and $105,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineering professor?

Mechanical Engineering Professors are academic professionals who teach courses and conduct research in the field of mechanical engineering at colleges or universities. They develop and deliver lectures, mentor students, and often lead research projects in topics such as thermodynamics, materials science, and robotics. Additionally, they may publish scholarly articles, secure research funding, and participate in academic committees. Their work contributes both to the education of future engineers and to advancements in engineering knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering professor?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Professor, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in mechanical engineering or a related field, along with a strong background in research and teaching. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and learning management systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help in engaging students and collaborating with colleagues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering high-quality education, advancing research, and fostering a positive learning environment.

What are some common challenges faced by mechanical engineering professors when balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Mechanical Engineering Professors often juggle significant teaching loads alongside active research agendas. One of the main challenges is allocating sufficient time for both high-quality instruction and meaningful research progress, especially during peak academic periods. Balancing student mentorship, curriculum development, grant writing, and publishing can be demanding, requiring strong time-management and organizational skills. Collaborating with colleagues and leveraging support from teaching or research assistants can help manage these responsibilities effectively.

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

AspectMechanical Engineering ProfessorMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academiaManufacturing, design firms, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research grantsPrivate companies, government agencies, industry projects

Mechanical Engineering Professors primarily focus on teaching and research within academic settings, requiring advanced degrees. Mechanical Engineers work in industry, applying engineering principles to design, develop, and test mechanical systems. While both roles require a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Engineering Professor jobs in Colorado?

For Mechanical Engineering Professor jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineering Professor jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineering Professor jobs in Colorado are:

Mechanical Engineering Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Professor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,323 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

U.S. Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site, Remote

$124K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT information.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Major Duties of the Position: Will perform faculty duties in the Systems Engineering Program, within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Integrated Engineering Sciences, United States Air Force Academy. Will teach undergraduate courses in Systems Engineering, participate in course and curriculum development, and advise students. Will conduct research and and scholarly activities which contribute to the body of knowledge. Will perform appropriate administrative functions to ensure timely and effective course offerings.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination.
  • Essential qualities expected of every faculty member include the personal attributes of integrity, industry, cooperation, initiative, and breadth of intellectual interests.
  • Doctoral degree (see "Qualifications" for required academic disciplines)
  • The salary shown is the minimum (Annual) amount to be paid and may be set higher commensurate with individual's qualifications and experience.
  • You will be required to serve a 1-year trial period
  • As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information go to: http://www.sss.gov
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A relevant earned Doctorate degree from an accredited academic institution before employment begins (projected Fall 2026); demonstrated or presumptive potential for effective teaching, research, consultation, and other scholarly and professional activities.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES: Systems Engineering or directly related field.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: An earned Doctorate degree in Systems Engineering, or Industrial and Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with systems engineering experience, or a closely related discipline.
Inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Lt Col Avery Snyder, email: avery.snyder@afacademy.af.edu. Please do not email documents or completed applications to this address as they will not be considered.
Education
EDUCATION:
If selected, you will be requested to provide original copies of ALL OFFICIAL transcripts for degrees being pursued or obtained (or letter of degree completion if an OFFICIAL transcript is not available due to recent graduation) to support your educational claims as stated in your curriculum vitae. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a transcript to be considered OFFICIAL, it should be printed on university letterhead and the registrar's official seal/signature must appear on the transcript. Your transcripts must also reflect the degree awarded/conferred date. Transcripts labeled UNOFFICIAL will not be accepted.
Upon request, ensure you include ALL transcripts to support your educational claims as stated in your curriculum vitae (resume) even if not required for this position.
FOREIGN EDUCATION:
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the educational requirements. However, you must show proof that the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying in the form of an "official" statement of U.S. equivalency from a Department of Education approved (non-federal) agency (i.e. AICE, NACES), who will complete a U.S. Standard of Education Conversion.
Additional information
*This is a Tenure Track position. Academic tenure is based upon performance and approval of the faculty and may be considered after initial or subsequent 3-year appointment period. Selectee may be offered an initial appointment with tenure if their academic credentials warrant such action.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the excepted service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.
Individuals who are eligible for Schedule A, 213.3102(u) appointments cannot be referred under the Air Force Selective Placement Program process for faculty positions. Schedule A applicants must apply via instructions in the "How to Apply" section and applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Late or incomplete application packages will not be considered.
USAFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities.
Please ensure your application package DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY PHOTOGRAPHS, applications submitted with any documents that include photographs will not be considered.
Applications submitted under this announcement will be considered ONLY for this vacancy.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Apply