Professor of Practice - General Engineering/Mechanical Engineering

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The University of Mississippi invites applications for a Professor of Practice (open rank) in Product Realization with a joint appointment in the General Engineering program and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This position reflects the university’s growing emphasis on connecting design, materials, and manufacturing processes with real-world product realization.

The successful candidate will develop and deliver innovative undergraduate courses and labs that bridge the gap between design intent and manufacturability. Instruction will cover both fundamental and advanced manufacturing processes, including machining, casting, molding, thermoforming, sheet metal forming, additive manufacturing, digital fabrication, prototyping, and process control.

Preference will be given to candidates with significant industry experience in aerospace, automotive, energy, or related advanced manufacturing sectors. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to translate professional expertise into hands-on learning environments, preparing graduates for leadership roles in modern manufacturing.

In addition to teaching, the faculty member will have the opportunity to serve as faculty advisor for student competition teams such as Formula SAE, Formula SAE Electric, or Baja SAE, supporting experiential learning that reinforces technical knowledge with teamwork, problem-solving, and product development skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field are required.

Industry Experience:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in the aerospace, automotive, or related manufacturing industries with a focus on manufacturing processes and process control is required.
• This is an open-rank Professor of Practice search, with rank determined by experience: candidates with at least five years of professional experience will be considered for appointment as Assistant Professor of Practice; those with a minimum of ten years of experience may be appointed as Associate Professor of Practice; and those with fifteen or more years of experience may be appointed as Professor of Practice.

Teaching and Mentoring:

• Proven experience in teaching or mentoring in academic or professional settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with a multidisciplinary engineering student body.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience collaborating with business or manufacturing management programs.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary teaching approaches integrating engineering and business practices.
• Prior involvement with or advising of competitive engineering design teams, particularly SAE competition teams

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development and Instruction:

Develop and teach courses in Product Realization covering topics such as:

• Introduction to Product Realization: Design-for-manufacture, prototyping, material selection, tolerance and quality considerations, sustainability.
• Fundamentals of Manufacturing: machining, casting (sand, lost foam, investment), molding, thermoforming, sheet metal forming, additive manufacturing, electronics assembly.
• Manufacturing Processes & Process Control: rate, quality, cost, flexibility, sustainability, lifecycle considerations.

Experiential Learning and Mentorship:

• Develop and oversee hands-on labs and design-build projects, emphasizing iteration, systems-level thinking, and data-driven decision-making.
• Mentor students in manufacturing and product development pathways.
• Advise competitive student design teams (Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, etc.).
• Provide students with real-world project opportunities through industry-sponsored collaborations.

Industry and Academic Collaboration:

• Build partnerships with regional and national manufacturers to provide internships, co-ops, and collaborative projects.
• Incorporate guest lectures, case studies, and applied research opportunities with industry partners.
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration the Schools of Accountancy, Business, Engineering, and the Center for Manufacturing Excellence.

Position Details

Appointment: 9 Month

Assignment Type: Non-Tenure Track

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.