Description
The Grainger College of Engineering: Faculty (Open Rank) - Mechanical Science and Engineering
Mechanical Science and Engineering
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applicants for multiple open-rank (assistant, associate, or full professor level) tenure-track, full-time faculty positions. Applications in mechanical science and engineering are sought with preference in areas related to energy/thermal fluids and robotics/manufacturing with AI influence in either area.
Successful candidates must be able to teach in these and other areas while also contributing to the excellence of our programs through research and service efforts. Candidates are expected to establish and maintain an active and independent research program, teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and provide service to the department, the university, and the profession.
MechSE is highly ranked nationally for undergraduate programs in mechanical engineering and engineering mechanics; for ME online graduate education; and for graduate programs. MechSE is committed to a strong tradition of excellence in research, teaching, and service that spans fundamental and applied domains.
Faculty and students at Illinois benefit from access to world-class experimental and computational facilities across campus, including: the Center for Networked Intelligent Components and Environments, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center, the Center for Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems, Center for Autonomy, Advanced Materials Testing and Evaluation Laboratory, the Coordinated Science Laboratory, Materials Research Laboratory, Holonyak Micro & Nanotechnology Lab, the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.
Appointment Information
A doctoral degree in relevant engineering or science field or a related field is required at the start date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $115,000 to $125,000 at the Assistant Professor level, $125,000 to $140,000 at the Associate Professor level, and $140,000 to $210,000 at the Full Professor level, for a 9-month service basis paid over 12 months. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2026. Applications may be reviewed as they are received. Those submitted after the stated deadline may still be considered until the position(s) are filled. Interviews and hires may occur before the close date, however all applications received by the close date will receive full consideration. A start date is expected on August 16, 2026; however, this is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at jobs.illinois.edu. The application package should include the following materials uploaded as a single PDF file in the Resume/CV section: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) research statement, 4) teaching statement, 5) service statement, and 6) names and contact information for three professional references (no letters required at this time). The research, teaching, and service statements offer a chance to share your motivation, approach, experience, leadership, impact, and vision in each area, including how you would support the university’s land-grant mission (boldly.illinois.edu), through campus, community, or professional engagement. For further information regarding application procedures, please address questions to mechse-facultyrecruiting@illinois.edu.
We have an active and successful Dual Career Academic Couples Program and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family-friendly programs for faculty and staff (provost.illinois.edu/faculty-affairs/work-life-balance).
Illinois offers resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career, along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Explore the full list of Employee Benefits and discover how working at Illinois may foster professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
