Job Description

The Opportunity

The University of Memphis invites applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Teaching in Systems Engineering. The successful candidate will help develop the Systems Engineering concentration within the Engineering Management MS degree program and contribute to the Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering through curriculum development, instruction, and student mentorship.

About the University, College, and Department

The University of Memphis is a Carnegie R1 institution with approximately 20,000 students. The Herff College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs and maintains partnerships with regional and national industry. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has 14 faculty members and approximately 350 students pursuing BS, MS, and PhD degrees. More information is available at memphis.edu/me.

Herff College maintains research and educational partnerships with regional and national industry leaders, creating experiential learning opportunities for students and professional networks for faculty. The College is also implementing a faculty mentoring program to support junior faculty development.

Memphis and Regional Industry

Memphis provides a relevant setting for Systems Engineering education. Its logistics and supply-chain network include FedEx World Headquarters, and the region has substantial activity in healthcare and biomedical devices, automotive manufacturing and aero-propulsion, transportation and distribution, and entertainment and media technology. These industries offer potential partners for student projects and applied learning.

Application Instructions

Apply electronically at workforum.memphis.edu. Search for “Assistant Professor of Teaching — Systems Engineering” under Full-Time Faculty. A complete application includes:

Cover letter addressing your interest in this specific position and your qualifications.
Comprehensive curriculum vitae.
Teaching philosophy statement (2–3 pages) describing your approach to undergraduate and graduate instruction and curriculum development. Applicants with industry experience are encouraged to explain how that experience will inform their teaching.
Names and full contact information (phone and email) for three professional references.

Applications review will start in December 2026 and be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 2027.

For questions about the position or the program, please contact the Search Committee Chair:

Dr. Jeffrey Marchetta

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Herff College of Engineering

Email: [[email protected]] | Phone: [901-678-3141]



Responsibilities
Teaching and Instruction

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Systems Engineering, including core systems thinking, systems architecture, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), requirements engineering, verification and validation, and related topics.
Teach four courses each semester during the fall and spring. Summer teaching may be compensated as overload or adjusted based on service responsibilities.
Develop and continuously improve course materials, syllabi, assessments, and laboratory components consistent with ABET/EAC accreditation standards.
Provide high-quality mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students, including advising and project supervision.

Curriculum and Program Development

Lead curriculum development for the Systems Engineering concentration in the BSME program and contribute to the MS in Systems Engineering.
Collaborate with faculty, industry advisory board members, and department leadership to keep the curriculum aligned with industry needs and accreditation requirements.
Coordinate assessment and contribute to ABET/EAC accreditation documentation for the Systems Engineering curriculum.

Service and Engagement

Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities, including committee work and program assessment.
Engage regional industry partners to identify capstone projects, internships, guest lectures, and opportunities for program input.
Represent the Systems Engineering program at recruiting events, open houses, and relevant professional conferences, such as INCOSE.
Qualifications
Required

Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Operations Research, or a closely related field, completed before appointment.
Commitment to excellence in undergraduate and/or graduate teaching.
Ability to teach across the undergraduate and graduate Systems Engineering curriculum.

Preferred

Experience teaching in an ABET/EAC-accredited engineering program.
Experience developing or substantially revising undergraduate or graduate engineering courses.
Industry experience in systems engineering, including defense, aerospace, healthcare systems, logistics, manufacturing, or related sectors.
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methods, such as SysML, Cameo, DOORS, or equivalent.
Evidence of or interest in scholarly or applied work, such as engineering education research, industry-sponsored projects, or conference publications.
Experience delivering online or hybrid courses.
Engagement with professional organizations such as INCOSE, AIAA, ASME, or IEEE Systems Council.