Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science
Position Overview
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in robotics, with an expected start date of August 2027.
We seek candidates conducting foundational research in robotics and autonomy with broad applications across manufacturing, aerospace, space, defense, and energy.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Embodied AI, physical intelligence, and learning-enabled robotics;
- Robotic manipulation and locomotion;
- Mobile robotics and autonomous systems;
- Robotics and automation for advanced manufacturing;
- and Soft, continuum, and compliant robotic systems.
Research that complements and expands existing departmental strengths is particularly encouraged. Relevant faculty expertise includes digital twins and AI for manufacturing, human–robot interaction, assisted driving, traffic-flow automation, bio-inspired robotics, multi-robot systems and swarms, precision engineering, and path planning for unmanned aerial, marine, and space systems.
Qualifications and Expectations
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Establish a strong, externally funded research program;
- Publish in leading research journals;
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses; Advise graduate theses and dissertations; Supervise undergraduate capstone projects; and
- Develop collaborations with faculty, industry partners, and national laboratories.
Priority will be given to candidates with strong research records, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, relevant professional activities, evidence of or potential for securing external funding, and a research vision aligned with departmental and University priorities.
Department and Research Environment
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science (MEES) is the largest department in the William States Lee College of Engineering. Its 54 full-time faculty members and 16 staff members serve approximately 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The department currently has six active NSF CAREER awards, and several faculty members are Fellows of leading professional societies.
MEES has established research programs in advanced manufacturing, precision metrology, battery research, motorsports and automotive engineering, control systems, computational mechanics, hypersonics, transport phenomena, and autonomous vehicles.
The department is home to the Center for Precision Metrology, the Center for Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics, and the Battery Complexity, Autonomous Vehicle and Electrification Research Center. It has also recently launched an undergraduate concentration in Aerospace Engineering.
The College of Engineering leads initiatives in several strategic research areas, including Advanced Manufacturing and Metrology, Transformational Energy, and Transportation and Advanced Mobility. The College is also home to the newly established NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas. Other University initiatives supporting robotics and unmanned systems include the Charlotte Aviation Innovation and Research Institute (AIR) and the National Defense and Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3).
Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following materials for Position 004407:
- A one-page letter of interest;
- A curriculum vitae;
- A research statement of up to three pages describing the applicant’s expertise and research vision;
- A teaching statement of up to two pages; and
- Contact information for at least three professional references.
Review of applications will begin on November 11, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Initial interviews are expected to begin in December 2026.
The selected candidate must provide an official transcript of the highest degree earned and successfully complete a criminal background check.
About UNC Charlotte and the Charlotte Region
UNC Charlotte is an urban R1 research university serving more than 33,000 students. The University advances research and innovation in areas including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, sustainability, energy, health, and urban systems. Its 1,000-acre wooded campus is located in Charlotte’s University City area.
The Charlotte metropolitan area has a population of nearly three million and supports strong industry partnerships in energy, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and financial technology. Eight Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the region, including Honeywell and Duke Energy.
Charlotte offers professional sports, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and a growing professional community. Charlotte Douglas International Airport provides direct access to major destinations in the United States and abroad. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Atlantic coast are both within a few hours’ drive.
Additional Information
For additional information, visit jobs.charlotte.edu or contact the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Amir Ghasemi ([contact details available in the full listing]).
