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Tenure Track Faculty Position
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Department
College of Engineering
Anticipated Salary Range: $107,096 - $111,096

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Cal Poly Pomona is one of three polytechnic universities in the 22-campus California State University system and among 12 such institutions nationwide. Since its founding in 1938, Cal Poly Pomona students have participated in an integrative experiential learning education that is inclusive, relevant, and values diverse perspectives and experiences. With a variety of degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and professional disciplines, the university is well known for its learn-by-doing approach and Teacher Scholar Model.

The university is noted for its scenic and historic 1,400-acre campus, which was once the winter ranch of cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. We acknowledge that Cal Poly Pomona resides on the territorial and homelands of the Tongva and Tataavium people, who are the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar. The university's nearly 30,000 students are taught and mentored by the campus's more than 1,400 faculty as part of 54 baccalaureate and 29 master's degree programs, 11 credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Highly regarded among its peer institutions, Cal Poly Pomona is ranked No. 2 in the U.S. News and World Report's list of "Regional Public Universities" and was named among the nation's top schools in Money Magazine's "Best Colleges in America" earning the maximum 5-star rating. Cal Poly Pomona, a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, stands as a national leader in promoting social mobility, and was placed among the 25 top institutions in the country in awarding bachelor's degrees to minoritized students by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. In 2022, the campus launched the Black Thriving Initiative, recognizing that Cal Poly Pomona's future as a university is linked to the success of its Black community. More information about our Principles of Community can be found here. 

The Cal Poly Pomona campus is located less than 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles at the intersection of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. It is within an hour's drive of beaches, mountains, and deserts. For additional information about the university, please visit www.cpp.edu, and for more about faculty life, please see YourLife@CPP.

Student Population. Cal Poly Pomona is the number one polytechnic university in the nation for student diversity and economic mobility. Our caring and inclusive campus community is committed to helping anyone who dreams of success achieve it. In Fall 2024, Cal Poly Pomona served more than 25,000 students and close to 2,000 graduate students, mostly residents of California. Over half of Cal Poly Pomona students are first-generation college students, 70% receive financial aid, and 42% are low-income students. The university enrolls 57% percent of historically underrepresented students. Our diverse student body identifies as 54% Hispanic/Latinx, 21% Asian, 13% White, 4% two or more races, 3% unknown, 2% African American/Black, 2% International, less than 1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and less than 1% Native American. Forty-five percent of students enroll in our STEM majors and our top five enrolled programs across the university include mechanical engineering, computer science, civil engineering, psychology, as well as finance, real estate, and law.  

College of Engineering. The College of Engineering's mission is to prepare students for industry and advanced studies by implementing an inclusive polytechnic philosophy through collaborative teamwork, innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional integrity. The College offers 12 ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees and 7 Master's degrees to over 6,300 students across seven academic departments that include: Aerospace Engineering, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The College is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report and currently ranks 5th among undergraduate engineering programs in non-doctorate-granting public institutions. Additionally, it houses more than 40 student clubs that offer hands-on learning opportunities and have been recognized at several national competitions. We encourage a broad range of applicants who are committed to enhancing a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to an inclusive campus environment.

Department of Mechanical Engineering: The Mechanical Engineering program provides a quality, well-rounded education that is based on fundamental knowledge, skills in mathematics and pure science, as well as engineering science and design. The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME). A list of our core courses can be found at http://catalog.cpp.edu. A BSME Minor in Energy Engineering, which includes the study of all energy sources, energy conversion and transfer systems, efficient energy utilization and environmental implications, is available for interested undergraduate students. The Mechanical Engineering department has an outstanding record of student success, hands-on learning, and its graduates are in high demand by industry. The faculty and staff in the Mechanical Engineering department are very collegial to one another and embrace inclusivity within the university. We value faculty who can inspire students through their teaching and through mentorship in research.

Position Description: The Mechanical Engineering Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, invites applications for one tenure-track Assistant Professor position beginning in Fall 2027. Applicants from all areas of mechanical engineering are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to solid mechanics, control and robotics systems, artificial intelligence, and thermal-fluids. Preference will be given to candidates with a specialization in machine design. The successful candidate will be expected to teach a broad range of mechanical engineering courses, as well as develop new courses and establish a strong, externally funded research program in their area(s) of expertise. 

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in Mechanical Engineering.
• Advising undergraduate student projects.
• Advising master level graduate students with MS projects and theses.
• Maintaining scholarly work and a research program in the applicant's area of expertise.
• Participating in the committees and activities at the department, college and university levels.
• Professional development such as attending workshops and training courses, publishing conference and journal papers.

Minimum Requirements Include: 

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related area from an accredited university by the date of appointment.
• An ability to communicate complex subject matter to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence in engineering.
• Evidence of ongoing scholarly research in the applicant's area of expertise.
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through teaching, scholarship, and service in an inclusive environment.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications: 

• A minimum of 1 year of relevant professional or teaching experience.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Experience and commitment to student advising and university service

Application Process:

A completed application will consist of:

• Cover letter in which you describe why you are interested in the position, relevant experience, how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications, and your unique contribution to the department;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Teaching Philosophy statement (2 pages max) that addresses Cal Poly Pomona's commitment to excellence in education (see above), and includes a list of courses the candidate is prepared to teach, courses the candidate can teach with some additional preparation, and courses the candidate would like to develop;
• Research Statement (2 pages max);
• Reprints of up to 3 most recent (in the past five years) publications;
• The names and contact information for at least three individuals who can serve as references;
• Unofficial transcripts of the highest degree earned (official transcripts will be required of finalists);
• Teaching evaluations by students (if you have experience in teaching)

Finalists for the position will be required to: 

• Provide official transcripts for the highest degree before the on-campus interview; 
• Provide three letters of reference dated within the last two years; 
• Create a presentation showcasing scholarly work and a teaching demonstration for faculty and students. 

First consideration will be given to completed applications received by October 15, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

Applications accepted only via PageUp-online application portal-for University hires.

Please direct inquiries to:

Faculty Search Committee Chair

Dr. Paul Nissenson

Mechanical Engineering Department

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Email: pmnissenson@cpp.edu

Disclosures

Education Code 89521 Requirements:

Pursuant to Education Code 89521 applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Background Check: 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed.  Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Out of State Employment:

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.  It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.

Mandated Reporter: 

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

International Candidates:

Cal Poly Pomona is not currently sponsoring faculty for H-1B work status if they are subject to the $100,000 fee established under the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19, 2025. For faculty already in the United States who hold a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as F-1, J-1, or O-1), Cal Poly Pomona is able to consider filing a petition to change their status to H-1B based on the current determination that the fee does not apply. For questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Affairs at avpfa@cpp.edu. We strongly recommend that faculty review their individual circumstances carefully with their personal immigration legal counsel.

Clery Act:
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Security Report and Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Fire Safety Report.

EEO Statement: 

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other appl...