Union College invites applications for the position of tenure track Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, beginning September 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin November 15th, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
This position is focused in the area of mechatronics with a specialty in robotics. A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related field) is required; applicants close to finishing their Ph.D. will also be considered. The successful candidate will teach and develop content for a range of undergraduate courses and laboratories in the areas of mechatronics (including basics of electrical circuits), robotics, controls, automation, or mechanical design. Preference will be given to applicants who can lead curricular developments in several of these areas. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and conducting high quality, peer reviewed and published research are requirements for success in the position. Union College has a strong record in undergraduate research, and candidates will be expected to pursue an active program of scholarly research involving undergraduate students. Additionally, Union strongly values its liberal arts tradition and candidates who are willing and able to teach to the broader campus community are encouraged to apply.
About the Department of Mechanical Engineering
Union College's engineering programs are nationally ranked. The mechanical engineering program emphasizes close student-faculty interactions in small class settings, hands-on laboratory experiences and team-based design and build projects at every class level. Our faculty members are teacher-scholars who obtain competitive grants, publish in high impact journals, present at national and international conferences and involve undergraduate students in our research at the deepest levels.
Application Instructions:
Please submit these application materials in the following order as pdf files:
Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Teaching statement (maximum 3 pages) reflecting your teaching philosophy and experience and providing information on how you can contribute to the diversity of educational experiences and offerings and engage with students with diverse skills or backgrounds, including examples of your participation in specific activities
Research statement (maximum 3 pages) including how you will conduct your research at an undergraduate institution and meaningfully include undergraduates in that work
Please do not include any additional information. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in teaching, conducting research and/or mentoring undergraduate students. Please send questions and other inquiries to Associate Professor David Hodgson at hodgsond@union.edu.
Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $93,000-$96,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We offer exceptional benefits including:
Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents
Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy (http://www.union.edu/human-resources/background-check-policy?_ga=2.164769983.1635496244.1717465945-1000516401.1717465945) , finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/) and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\Es.pdf) .
Union College
Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.
Accommodations
If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at hr@union.edu or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process.
Diversity at Union College
Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity.
