The Department of Engineering & Design at Western Washington University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position beginning September 16, 2026. This position will support the Engineering & Design Department’s growth through the transition of the current Polymer Materials Engineering (PME) program to Materials Science & Engineering and the launch of a new Mechanical Engineering Minor.

We seek individuals with teaching and research interests in fields relevant to advanced composites, with a preference towards candidates with expertise in structures, materials design and development, manufacturing, and/or simulation or modeling. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the growth and development of the Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) program and a new Mechanical Engineering minor, which includes the development of new curriculum, research areas, and laboratory facilities.

Our program and department require a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship that supports the Department’s Mission. This position will primarily teach courses in the PME/MSE program and will also contribute to teaching premajor classes and/or new courses developed for an upcoming Mechanical Engineering minor (such as introduction to engineering and design, statics, mechanics of materials, introduction to materials science and engineering, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics). Scholarship responsibilities will include developing and maintaining a relevant research program that involves undergraduate researchers and partnerships with industry. It is expected that the person fulfills teaching, research, and service responsibilities in ways that provide equitable and inclusive environments for all students, faculty, and staff.

Position Responsibilities

• Teach five classes per year
• Supervise hands-on teaching and research laboratory activities and safety practices
• Establish an active and sustained research program involving undergraduate students
• Seek funding to support and sustain research and academic programs
• Advise senior design/capstone projects in the PME/MSE program
• Participate in departmental, university, and professional service, including ABET accreditation requirements
• Contribute to a collaborative, safe, and engaging learning and working environment

Required Qualifications:

• One of the following:
  • Ph.D. or ABD (at time of application) in materials science and engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline, received from an accredited institution (if ABD, all degree requirements must be completed by June 15th of the first year of employment, e.g., June 15, 2027)
  • An earned MS degree in engineering or a closely related discipline, and significant, recent, and relevant industry-based professional experience
• Evidence of the ability to teach courses in the Polymer Materials Engineering program (soon to be Materials Science & Engineering program)
• Evidence of the ability to teach premajor engineering courses
• Evidence of the ability to teach courses for the upcoming mechanical engineering minor in the Engineering and Design Department
• Evidence of commitment and ability to initiate and maintain a relevant program of scholarly activity
• Teaching and scholarship philosophies that are closely aligned with the mission of the Program and Department
• Evidence of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent, relevant experience in industry, industry sponsored grants, commercialization, and/or industry relations
• Successful prior teaching and/or curriculum development experience
• Experience in conducting a research program with undergraduate students
• Experience with one or more of the following: composites materials and processing; advanced thermoplastics & thermosets materials and processing, process automation; computational materials modeling and process simulation; artificial intelligence for materials development or manufacturing, materials and processes for the circular economy; nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing; additive manufacturing; dynamics; thermodynamics; or fluid mechanics.

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

The starting salary range for assistant professor appointment, tenure-track is generally between $95,000-$100,000, with placement within the position’s salary range being based on qualifications and professional experience. The entire salary range for the assistant professor position is $95,000-$105,000, with the upper end of the salary range typically being achieved through collectively bargained salary adjustments. Relocation assistance may be available per University guidelines. Salary and start-up funds are to be determined upon being offered the position.

All applications must include the following six items. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Application Letter

A statement that addresses how you meet the required and preferred qualifications for the position, your ability and commitment to fulfill the position responsibilities, and your available starting date.

3. Teaching Statement

A statement of your teaching experience, interests, and plans for teaching core and advanced courses, and any experience teaching or coordinating undergraduate student projects, particularly any that were industry sponsored. Include a summary of teaching evaluations, if applicable.

4. Research Statement

A statement of your research experience and interests. Include any research experience that involved undergraduate students and/or collaboration with industry.

5. Service, Engagement, & Student Success Statement

A statement describing past experiences and approaches to service and engagement within the department, university, profession, or community that support student success and promote access, equity, and inclusion in your discipline or institution.

6. References

The names and contact information of at least three professional references. Please do not send letters of recommendation; references will only be contacted directly for semi-finalists.

Review of applications will begin March 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.