A Mechanical Engineer researches, designs, develops, constructs, and tests mechanical devices including machines, engines and tools. Works on devices ranging from power generators to household dishwashers to surgical equipment. May specialize in a particular type of machine or tool. May develop new devices or improve existing ones to run more efficiently.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about .
Job Description:
The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Kentucky University seeks to fill a nine-month, non-tenure eligible faculty appoint at the rank of Instructor I with potential for promotions within the Mechanical Engineering Program to begin on August 17th, 2026. WKU is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity in undergraduate engineering education and professional engagement with regional industry. For an Instructor position, the ideal candidate must have the ability to teach across the entire mechanical engineering curriculum and help assist with service of the program and School. The ideal Instructor will have the ability to guide student projects and teaching courses and laboratories as needed by the program without the expectation of applied research. The ABET accredited, baccalaureate-only mechanical engineering program integrates project-based design experiences throughout the curriculum, with all faculty contributing to this effort. The program is committed to producing graduates who are well prepared for the start of productive, successful careers as engineers. Academic and professional mentoring of students, as well as service activities at all levels of the university are expected. A successful Instructor candidate will have appropriate student engagement as part of their teaching and service. Candidates with relevant professional engineering experience are encouraged to apply and must be capable and willing to fully participate in the project-based learning environment and be dedicated to excellence in teaching. The responsibilities of this position include teaching, advising, and service that are to be conducted within the context of the University, School, and Program Mission Statements. The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Promotion and Review policies describe the professional and academic qualifications necessary for our program. The successful candidate must be committed to helping undergraduate students grow into engineers and be dedicated to working in the labs and design centers on projects with students consistently. All engineering faculty must obtain and then maintain professional engineering licensure in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This position depends on approved funding.
Requirements:
Ph.D. or M.S. degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field. A professional engineering license in the Commonwealth of Kentucky or the ability to obtain professional engineering licensure prior to application for promotion or within five (5) years of employment in this position, whichever comes first.
Additional Information:
Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website. Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu .
Application Instructions:
The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system by October 22, 2025, although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled: Letter of Intent (2 page maximum) Curriculum Vita Unofficial Transcripts Statement of Teaching Philosophy (1 page maximum) Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date. You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by
