Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering - Open Rank Faculty Search
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 in mechanical science and engineering. We welcome applications focusing on energy, thermal fluids and/or combustion, manufacturing and mechanics of materials.
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.
A doctoral degree in relevant engineering or science fields 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 $150,000 at the Associate Professor level, and $150,000 to $200,000 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. These positions are eligible for work authorization sponsorship.
Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 15, 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, 2027; however, this is negotiable.
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:
- cover letter
- curriculum vitae
- research statement
- teaching statement
- service statement
- 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).
Founded in 1867 as Illinois’s flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes. The university’s legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally. Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. Discover how the Illinois Value Proposition fosters professional longevity, personal fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose in every role.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
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.
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 accommodation 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.
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