Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for two fixed-term Teaching Specialist positions. These are nine-month academic-year appointments with primary responsibilities in teaching and service, with an initial term of three years and the potential for continued renewal based on instructional needs, funding, and performance. The anticipated teaching load for these positions is three courses per semester.

Both positions play an important role in supporting the department’s mission in undergraduate education. The successful candidates will contribute to the delivery of high-quality instruction, the enhancement of student learning experiences, and the continued development of instructional laboratories and course content. We are seeking individuals committed to excellence in teaching and interested in building long-term academic careers focused on instruction and student engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate mechanical engineering courses and associated laboratory sections during the academic year (typically three courses per semester)
• Support and, as appropriate, develop laboratory modules and instructional materials to enhance hands-on learning experiences
• Effectively communicate course content and expectations to undergraduate students, fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment
• Collaborate with and provide guidance to graduate teaching assistants to support course delivery
• Contribute to departmental service activities aligned with the instructional mission

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to effectively teach undergraduate-level mechanical engineering courses
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse student populations
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants

Desired Qualifications

• Expertise in areas such as manufacturing, design, mechanics, controls engineering, and experimental fluid mechanics or thermal sciences; candidates with expertise across any area of mechanical engineering will be considered
• Experience in instructional laboratory development or hands-on teaching environments
• Prior teaching experience in a higher education setting

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should apply through MSU Careers and reference posting 1134971. Applicants must submit:

1. A detailed curriculum vitae
2. A cover letter summarizing qualifications and interest in the position
3. A teaching vision statement, including mentoring and outreach philosophy
4. Names and contact information for at least three professional references

Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026, and will continue until the positions are filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

06/01/2026

Website

https://engineering.msu.edu/departments/me

Department Statement

About The Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University is a leading academic unit within the College of Engineering, known for its commitment to high-quality education, impactful research, and innovation. The department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and fosters a collaborative environment that emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success.

About The College of Engineering

For more than 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society’s most pressing challenges. Our mission is to prepare exceptional engineering graduates, conduct cutting-edge research, and drive innovation that benefits communities locally and globally.

The college pursues this mission through educational and research programs across eight departments, with interdisciplinary strengths in computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability. By fostering collaboration and discovery, the MSU College of Engineering equips students and faculty to shape the technologies and solutions of the future.

About Michigan State University

At Michigan State University, discovery doesn’t stop at the classroom door. As one of the nation’s leading R1 research universities and a proud land-grant institution, MSU blends academic excellence with a mission to make a difference in communities near and far. Our park-like campus in East Lansing offers more than just a place to work—it’s a hub of innovation, collaboration, and Spartan spirit.

Just steps away from Michigan’s capital city, Lansing, the region offers the best of both worlds: a diverse metropolitan area of more than 540,000 people with cultural opportunities, thriving neighborhoods, and highly rated schools. Whether you’re enjoying the arts, cheering on Big Ten athletics, or exploring nearby lakes and trails, East Lansing is a place where work, life, and community come together.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.