Assoc. Professor - Mechanical Engineering jobs in Asheville, NC

Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 "America's Best Employers by State" list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. Forbes has also ranked Western Carolina University in the Top 100 of America's Best Midsize Employers for 2023. Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. WCU's main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation's most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, and free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.

The College of Engineering and Technology () at Western Carolina University (WCU) is growing!
The University has received substantial support from the North Carolina legislature to expand engineering to meet the rapidly growing needs of the region and state. Our engineering and engineering technology programs feature project-based learning embedded throughout the curricula, preparing our students for professional practice and advanced study. Industry engagement is a hallmark of our programs, and we pride ourselves as having faculty with significant industry experience. Our culture embraces faculty-student interaction through experiences such as undergraduate research. We are committed to changing the lives of our students and their families through a transformative experience at our rural main-campus setting in the mountains of western North Carolina, and at sites in Asheville and across western NC. The college's programs are instrumental to the economic vitality of the region, and are advancing the university to be one of the nation's premiere regional comprehensive institutions. We are creating leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs with the foundation and skills needed for transformative careers in engineering and beyond.

We are recruiting faculty for several positions in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related fields) at the assistant, associate, and full professor ranks to join us as we enter this transformational time at WCU. Faculty are routinely expected to teach in multiple topical areas at undergraduate and graduate levels. Faculty candidates with teaching and research expertise in one or more of the following areas are highly encouraged to apply:

The openings are nine-month tenure/tenure-track positions, with additional summer opportunities for research, teaching and other professional endeavors. Rank will be determined at point of hire. The anticipated start date is August 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions are filled. Applicants with experience in more than one area of need will be reviewed favorably. Applicants with teaching experience at the college level, including lab courses, will also be reviewed favorably.

Successful candidates will have a commitment to teaching, scholarship, and professional service to the university and region. Faculty pursue scholarship and research with external partners and with clients through our nationally-recognized Rapid Center. Applied research that engages students, especially undergraduate students, is a hallmark of our program.

For more information on the School of Engineering Technology please visit . Our Engineering and Engineering Technology programs are accredited by ABET's EAC and ETAC, respectively. The college has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top tier Undergraduate Engineering program for the past several years.

Successful candidates will be expected to support the University's external engagement mission and our Quality Enhancement Program (QEP). Applicants are encouraged to visit the WCU website to learn more about WCU and details regarding the QEP.

Western Carolina University holds inclusive excellence as a core value, and we work together to foster a welcoming community, where all are respected and know they belong.

A doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, is required prior to the starting date.

Three years of relevant industry experience.

Candidates must submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of scholarship plans, a list (include names and complete contact information) of at least three professional references, and unofficial transcripts from the highest earned degree.

For additional information or questions contact Dr. Scott Pierce: telephone 828-227-2175, visit , or email

The review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.