The Hampton University School of Engineering Architecture and Aviation invites nominations and applications for highly qualified candidates for a tenure-track position in the area of mechanical engineering to serve as Chairperson of the newly created Department of Mechanical Engineering position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor beginning in August 2026.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is offering a new B.S. degree in mechanical engineering starting Fall 2026. The new program will have three tracks: traditional, robotics, and materials.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to lead the department’s efforts to support Hampton University’s transformation from its current Carnegie Foundation classification to a research-intensive university. Accordingly, the candidate will be expected to inspire and lead the department’s faculty in the pursuit of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service; to review and update the curriculum; to write proposals for external funding; to schedule classes and advise students; to evaluate faculty; to ensure the effective operation of the department; to respond to University directives; to monitor the quality of instruction of the department; to maintain program accreditation; and to carry out other duties that may be assigned.

The candidate is expected to develop and lead independent research programs of international prominence and teach undergraduate courses mechanical engineering and the fundamentals of engineering curricula, collaborate on various research initiatives (including some of an interdepartmental nature).

Requirements

Applicants must have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and have a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, leadership and research. The successful candidates’ expertise is expected to complement engineering school strengths in materials and robotics.

Qualifications

• High level of energy and initiative,
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills,
• Written record of securing external funding, and
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.

Salary is based on qualifications $80,000-90,000