Open-Rank Teaching Faculty or Professor of Practice (Multiple Openings)

The Opportunities

The Colorado School of Mines, a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, is excited to announce three open-rank Teaching Faculty or Professor of Practice positions in Mechanical Engineering to support the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree at the Mines Guam campus. These appointments will be housed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and all three hires will play a central role in undergraduate education, curriculum development, and program growth for the new BSME program. 

These faculty positions will be located in Guam to support a new STEM education initiative as part of a larger consortium with ASTRO America, the Government of Guam, University of Guam and Guam Community College. In this cutting-edge program, University of Guam will provide the first two years of study, equivalent to Mines core curriculum, focused on preparation to transfer to Mines Guam for a BSME. Students will complete their upper division coursework for mechanical engineering on Guam and upon successful completion of the remaining course requirements, receive a degree from Colorado School of Mines. Mines is partnering with University of Guam, Guam Community College, and ASTRO America, a partner overseeing the implementation of advanced manufacturing as a new economy on Guam. For more on this project, please visit: https://astroa.org/press-release-astro-america-forg es-landmark-on-island-engineering-partnership-together-with-colorado-school-of-mines-and-the-university-of-guam/.
 

Appointments may be made at the Teaching Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate Professor, Teaching Professor, or Professor of Practice level, as appropriate based on the candidate’s training and professional experience. We seek faculty who are passionate about undergraduate education, hands-on learning, industry-relevant engineering practice, and who are excited to help build a new mechanical engineering program.  
 

Each position corresponds to a distinct area of expertise, described below. Candidates should indicate clearly which area(s) best align with their background. 

In addition, one of the three hires will be eligible to serve as the administrative head of the BSME program at the Mines Guam campus. This role will provide academic leadership for the program, including coordination with Mines leadership, oversight of curriculum implementation, and support of program operations. Candidates interested in being considered for this additional administrative leadership role should indicate their intent in their cover letter. 
 

Position Areas of Expertise 
 

Position 1: Solid Mechanics, Machine Design, and Materials 

We seek a candidate with expertise in solid mechanics, machine design, and/or engineering materials. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: 

• Solid and structural mechanics 

• Mechanical and machine component design 

• Mechanics of materials and failure 

• Materials selection, characterization, and performance 

• Design-focused, laboratory-based, or computational approaches that support undergraduate mechanical engineering education 
   

Position 2: Thermal-Fluid Systems, Circuits, Instrumentation, and Automation 

We seek a candidate with expertise in thermal-fluid systems and related areas that support modern mechanical engineering practice. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: 

• Thermodynamics and heat transfer 

• Fluid mechanics and fluid systems 

• Electrical circuits for mechanical engineers 

• Instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and automation 

• Experimental and applied approaches that integrate thermal-fluid systems with measurement, control, and system integration 
   

Position 3: Mechatronics and Manufacturing 

We seek a candidate with expertise in mechatronics and manufacturing systems. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: 

• Mechatronic system design and integration 

• Robotics and electromechanical systems 

• Advanced and sustainable manufacturing processes 

• Digital manufacturing, automation, and Industry 4.0 concepts 

• Hands-on laboratory instruction and project-based learning environments 
   

Responsibilities 

• Teach undergraduate Mechanical Engineering courses for the BSME program at the Mines Guam campus, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, laboratory-based, and project-oriented instruction. 

• Contribute to curriculum design, development, and continuous improvement for the new BSME degree program, including laboratory and design-course development. 

• Mentor and advise undergraduate students, including supervision of design projects, capstone experiences, and experiential learning activities. 

• Engage in scholarly, pedagogical, or professional activities appropriate to the teaching faculty or Professor of Practice role, including industry engagement, curriculum innovation, or applied engineering projects. 

• Contribute to the department, campus, and profession through service, outreach, and program-building activities. 

• Other duties as assigned by the Department Head.
   

Minimum Qualifications 

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field or a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with significant relevant professional experience, consistent with appointment as Professor of Practice. 

• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and student mentorship. 

• Evidence of hands-on, applied, or industry-relevant experience aligned with the BSME curriculum. 

• Ability to contribute effectively to a teaching-focused mechanical engineering program in a developing campus environment. 
   

For senior-level Teaching Faculty or Professor of Practice appointments: 

• Substantial record of effective teaching, curriculum leadership, or professional practice. 

• Demonstrated leadership in engineering education, industry, government, or applied engineering practice. 

About Mines & the Department of Mechanical Engineering 

Colorado School of Mines, Colorado’s oldest public university, produces talent, knowledge, and solutions that serve industry and benefit society—all to create a more prosperous future. Mines enrolls approximately 6,400 undergraduate students and 1,900 graduate students across a broad range of applied science and engineering disciplines. The university maintains high-quality, well-funded research programs (approximately $106M in research awards for fiscal year 2024) with strong participation from both undergraduate and graduate students. The 2026 U.S. News & World Report ranks Mines among the top 100 universities in the nation. 
 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering supports a comprehensive mechanical engineering curriculum spanning solid mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, design, manufacturing, and mechatronics. The department is committed to excellence in undergraduate education, innovation in curriculum, and strong connections to engineering practice and industry. 
 

General information about Mines can be found at: https://www.mines.edu 

Total Rewards and Academic Year Salary Rates
 

Teaching Assistant Professor: $85,573 - $93,000
Teaching Associate Professor: $93,000 - $105,000
Teaching Professor: $105,000 - $127,000
Professor of Practice: $94,207 - $147,500

Mines takes into consideration a combination of the candidate’s education, training, and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion, and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary rate for potential new employees.

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits, including: 

• Health and Dental coverage for employee's assigned to Guam is currently being finalized. Coverage may vary.

• Generous sick and vacation leave, including 13 paid holidays per year and a week-long winter campus closure 

• Fully vested retirement plan from the first day of employment with generous employer contributions 

• More details about benefits for Mines' positions in Guam will be available at time of offer. 
   

How to Apply 

Priority review will begin May 18th and will continue until the positions are filled. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, indicate veteran status) and upload the below documents (required). References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made. Applications must specify in the application package to which rank they are applying. Applicants will notice on the application form, there is only one location to upload all required materials. Further, once submitted, the applicant will not be able to edit their application. Applicants may submit their application as one combined document or as separate documents. Applicants must submit: 

• A curriculum vitae 

• A teaching statement describing instructional philosophy, hands-on teaching experience, and contributions to undergraduate mechanical engineering education 

• A cover letter expressing interest in the position and identifying the relevant area(s) of expertise 

• Optional: a statement describing professional practice, industry experience, or curriculum development experience (particularly for Professor of Practice candidates) 
   

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. This posting will be used to fill multiple openings. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any questions at kfeighny@mines.edu. We appreciate your interest in Mines and this exciting expansion!