The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California (Cal Poly) is excited to invite applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank beginning approximately August 12, 2027.
Cal Poly has a tradition of excellence in teaching and scholarship that supports a curriculum centered on a "Learn by Doing" philosophy and focused on preparing graduates to make a positive impact on their world day one. Cal Poly is committed to the teacher-scholar model. As teachers, faculty are expected to exhibit strong pedagogic skills and to remain proficient and current in their disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and master's level courses and support and expand curricular development in industrial engineering. As scholars, faculty should be engaged in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review. As colleagues, faculty are encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University. We are seeking candidates in industrial engineering with specialization in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). Expected application areas include, but not limited to, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and energy.
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring range: $106,000 - $117,000 per year.
The College of Engineering at Cal Poly is committed to building a faculty of teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach to inclusive excellence in student learning and applied research. We believe that individuals from broad backgrounds strengthen our programs and positively impact student success. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for consideration. Cal Poly emphasizes Learn by Doing, which involves extensive lab work and projects in support of theoretical knowledge.
The IME Department is home to both the Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering programs. Both programs emphasize excellence in undergraduate and graduate education through a laboratory-intensive, hands-on curriculum that reflects Cal Poly's renowned "Learn by Doing" philosophy. The department currently includes 13 tenured and tenure-track faculty members, 5 full-time lecturers, and approximately 10 part-time lecturers who are dedicated to outstanding teaching, innovative applied research, and the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate student research and projects.
For more information about the department, please visit https://ime.calpoly.edu/.
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in industrial engineering, operations research, or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required for appointment. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills and must have the ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders. Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required. Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching are required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.
To apply, applicants should complete a required online faculty application and attach the following supplemental documents: (1) cover letter providing details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; (2) current CV; (3) statement of goals and plans for research; (4) copy of unofficial transcripts; and (5) Universal Student Success Statement (see prompt below).
Prompt:
Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of reference. The selected candidate will be required to provide official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration.
Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.
For full consideration, candidates are encouraged to apply by the Review Begin Date, September 15, 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered.
For questions, please contact Dr. John Pan, IME Department Chair via pan@calpoly.edu.