The Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering invites applications for the position of Professor and Department Head of Mechanical Engineering.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) is one of ten academic departments in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and is ranked as a top-ten department in both undergraduate and graduate education (US News & World Report). A new world-class building with state-of-the-art research and educational facilities recently opened as the home for Mechanical Engineering. MechE has a long and distinguished tradition in education and research, and today its 44 core faculty continue to address the most important and challenging issues at the forefront of science and technology. As a highly interdisciplinary department, several of our faculty share joint appointments in different departments within the Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering, Mellon College of Science, and Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe). The department includes 541 undergraduate, 271 Masters, and 185 PhD students, and operations are managed by 38 full-time staff. Current research foci include Advanced Manufacturing, Micro/Nano/Bioengineering, Robotics & Controls, Energy and Environment, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

An accomplished academic leader is sought to provide strategic vision, leadership, and outstanding operational management; to oversee world-class research and educational programs; and to guide the Department of Mechanical Engineering to the highest level of accomplishment and impact. The Department Head will maintain and strengthen the culture of innovation in education and research; expand the reputation of the department; lead the department in strategic planning; develop a broad network of purpose-driven problem solvers to lead the world to a positive future; demonstrate a commitment to high-quality administration; and empower students with flexible, interdisciplinary, practice-oriented and applied education in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

Individuals with expertise across a wide range of areas related to Mechanical Engineering will be considered. Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in a field of engineering or science closely related to the disciplinary expertise of the department. An internationally recognized record of research, education, mentorship, and leadership is essential. Applicants must be qualified for an appointment at the rank of Professor with tenure.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin on August 3rd, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Full consideration of applications will be given until July 31st. The expected start date is January 1, 2027, with flexibility available based on mutual agreement. E-mail inquiries concerning this position may be sent to the Search Committee at meche-dhsearch@andrew.cmu.edu.

Interested candidates should submit applications electronically at apply.interfolio.com/188135, including a cover letter that describes management experience and leadership philosophy as well as a vision addressing the future of Mechanical Engineering, both US and global (3-page limit). This application should also include a curriculum vitae and two statements: a statement of research experience and interests (3-page limit); a statement of teaching and mentoring experience and interests (3-page limit). The search committee will solicit names of references and their contact information only for a subset of applicants after the initial review. Applicants will be notified in advance before letters are requested.