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Mechanical Engineering Professor

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Description
Teach undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering courses (e.g., statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, machine design, manufacturing, controls, robotics); advise students; develop curricula and laboratories; and conduct and publish research in mechanical engineering.
  • • Prepare and deliver lectures on statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, machine design, manufacturing, robotics, and controls.
  • • Stay current with mechanical engineering advances through literature, industry engagement, and professional conferences.
  • • Supervise undergraduate and graduate teaching, internships, capstone design, and research in mechanical engineering.
  • • Evaluate and grade students' coursework, laboratories, design reports, and papers.
  • • Conduct peer-reviewed research in mechanical engineering and disseminate findings.
  • • Prepare course materials such as syllabi, problem sets, CAD/CAE assignments, and lab manuals.
  • • Compile, administer, and grade examinations or oversee teaching assistants who do so.
  • • Write grant proposals to secure external research funding and equipment.
  • • Supervise students' laboratory and prototyping work in thermal-fluids, materials, controls, and manufacturing labs.
  • • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate class discussions and design critiques.
  • • Hold regular office hours to advise and assist students.
  • • Plan, evaluate, and revise mechanical engineering curricula, course content, and instructional methods.
  • • Advise students on academic pathways, research opportunities, and mechanical engineering careers.
  • • Maintain attendance, grades, safety training, and other required records.
  • • Collaborate with colleagues on teaching innovations, interdisciplinary projects, and research.
  • • Select and procure textbooks, software licenses (e.g., CAD/CAE), instrumentation, and laboratory equipment.
  • • Participate in student recruitment, registration, outreach, and placement activities.
  • • Serve on departmental, college, and university committees.
  • • Perform administrative duties, including program coordination or serving as department chair.
  • • Provide consulting or professional services to government, industry, or standards bodies.
  • • Compile reading lists and bibliographies for specialized mechanical engineering topics.
  • • Advise and mentor student organizations such as ASME or robotics teams.
  • • Engage in campus, community, and K-12 outreach events.
  • • Review manuscripts, proposals, and conference papers in mechanical engineering.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
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