Assistant/Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Daytona Beach Campus

The Opportunity

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, is inviting applicants for an open rank tenured or tenure-track faculty position. Candidates in all research areas related to mechanical engineering will be considered, but areas of interest include: robotics, autonomous systems, hybrid and electric powertrains, and advanced air mobility. Candidates will be expected to provide high quality undergraduate and graduate instruction and to establish and maintain an externally funded research program. Demonstrated experience in publication, graduate student advising, and securing external funding is desired. Candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply.

About the Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, serves approximately 500 students at the BS, MS, and PhD levels. The department features undergraduate tracks in High-Performance Vehicles, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Energy Systems, and Biomedical Systems. The ME department places a heavy emphasis on experiential education and sponsors a wide variety of student projects including Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar District Cup, EcoCAR, RobotX, IGVC, SUAS, and RoboBoat. The department also has a strong profile in applied research in areas such as robotics and autonomous systems, energy systems, advanced powertrains, and biomedical. The department has a stable faculty and offers a positive, collegial, and collaborative work environment. 

About the College of Engineering
The College of Engineering empowers students to become engineering leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Home to more than 3,500 students, our vision is to shape the future of the aerospace industry. We pride ourselves on our commitment to groundbreaking aerospace research and innovation, as well as our supportive and inclusive learning community. The college houses seven undergraduate programs, eight master's programs and three doctoral programs, including the largest Aerospace Engineering department in the U.S. Our undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program is ranked #4 and our graduate program #32 by U.S. News and World Report. The college has recently launched an ambitious agenda to expand its graduate programs, recruit talented faculty and invest in state-of-the-art research infrastructure and capabilities. Its current facilities include the 50,000 square foot John Mica Engineering and Aerospace Innovation Complex, which contains research laboratories, a subsonic wind tunnel, the Eagle Flight Research Center and a tech startup incubator space.

Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 110 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. For 100 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,175 residential students and 20,666 globally in the 2024-25 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space.

Click here to take a virtual tour of the Daytona Beach Campus!

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!   

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.

Required Education:

• Earned PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. 

Preferred qualifications:

• Prior teaching experience and/or demonstrated funded research experience. 
   

Application process/requirements

Consideration of applications will begin in December 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by 1/15/2026. The expected start date is August 2026.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R310643. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter discussing experience, academic qualifications, and background that demonstrate strong alignment with ME and the position
• Full CV
• Statements of teaching philosophy
• Research statement
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Questions can be directed via email to Dr. Jean-Michel Dhainaut, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website.