ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mechanical Engineering Professor Jobs in Virginia

Vcu Rrtc

Associate Professor/Professor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

... Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. Duties ... Academic accomplishments commensurate with appointment at the level of Full Professor or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Engineering Professor JobsMechanical Engineering Professor Jobs in Virginia

Mechanical Engineering Professor information

See Virginia salary details

$23.8K

$85K

$168.2K

How much do mechanical engineering professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering professor in Virginia is $85,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,544.00 and $109,409.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Mechanical Engineering Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Professor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,050 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Assistant or Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (tenure-track)

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Lexington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

828th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (tenure-track)
Job no: 5092900
Work type: Faculty (Salaried)
Location: Lexington, Virginia
Categories: Faculty
Title: Assistant or Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (tenure-track)
State Role Title: Professor
Hiring Range: Based on qualifications & experience
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Virginia Military Institute
Location: Virginia Military Institute
Agency Website: www.vmi.edu
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Mechanical Engineering Department at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) invites applications for a faculty position for an individual whose responsibilities would include teaching lower level mechanics courses such as statics and solid mechanics, as well as thermodynamics and instrumentation. This position is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the assistant or associate professor level commensurate with experience and accomplishments.
Candidates must have an earned doctorate in mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, and must have excellent teaching and communication skills. Industry experience and professional registration are preferred. The appointment begins August 1, 2026.
The Mechanical Engineering program is ABET accredited and is wholly undergraduate. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate mechanical engineering courses, advise/supervise student projects and research, and enhance current departmental research areas.
VMI is a public, four-year undergraduate military college for men and women (1700 students) located in the historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. All faculty members are required to wear a military uniform. However, prior military service is not required. More information about the VMI can be found at http://www.vmi.edu
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have an earned doctorate in mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, and must have excellent teaching and communication skills.
Additional Considerations
Industry experience and professional registration are preferred.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information
Name: Charlene Graves
Phone: 5404647308
Email: gravescc@vmi.edu
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 08 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply