Engineering Technology
Assistant/Associate Professor - Engineering Technology - AY 27/28
The Engineering Technology Department in the College of Engineering at the Cal Poly Solano Campus of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is excited to invite applications for a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank beginning approximately August 12, 2027. Rank at hire commensurate with the experience and education of the successful candidate.
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 members are expected to exhibit strong pedagogical skills and remain proficient and current in their disciplines. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate level courses and support and expand curricular development in Engineering Technology, Engineering Plant Operations, and Sea Training. As scholars, faculty should be engaged in professional development of high quality as evidenced by external peer review. As colleagues, faculty are encouraged to perform service activities at all levels of the University. This is a full-time tenure-track teaching position and will require future participation in the Cal Poly Maritime Academy summer sea training in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the cruise faculty MOU. The Department of Engineering Technology offers the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Technology and Facilities Engineering Technology degrees and provides instructional support to all engineering programs on the Solano campus and professional training programs on campus.
The responsibilities of this tenure-track position include, but are not limited to
- Instruction of marine and facilities engineering technology coursework in classrooms, laboratories, simulators, or aboard the training ship. Curricula taught may include:
- Steam, Diesel, or Turbine Power Generation
- Ship Propulsion Simulation
- Electrical Systems
- HVAC
- Refrigeration
- Introduction to Marine Engineering
- Plant Operations
- Other fundamental engineering courses associated with the Engineering Technology program
- Student advising in the Marine Engineering Technology and Facilities Engineering Technology programs.
- Professional development activities that advance knowledge within an engineering field.
- Service in department and campus-wide academic and administrative teams and committees, and
- Future annual participation as an instructional faculty member and/or engineering watch officer aboard the Training Ship Golden State
Rank and salary will be commensurate with education, experience, and USCG licensure (if any) of the individual selected. Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply. Anticipated hiring ranges: Assistant Professor: $106,000-$117,000 and Associate Professor: $114,000 - $126,000 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.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Engineering Technology Department of the College of Engineering comprises roughly 150 undergraduates at the Cal Poly Solano Campus in Vallejo, CA. The department offers two degree programs: i) Marine Engineering Technology (MET) — focused on maritime propulsion systems and engineering with licensure pathways, and ii) Facilities Engineering Technology (FET) — focusing on industrial and facilities systems engineering ashore. Both programs are deeply rooted in "learning by doing", providing cadets with exceptional hands-on opportunities—whether at sea or in real-world facility contexts—preparing graduates for careers as licensed marine engineers or capable facility engineers in maritime and industrial sectors.
For more information about the department, please visit https://maritime.calpoly.edu/.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Cal Poly provides a range of benefits for our faculty, which can be found at https://afd.calpoly.edu/hr/benefits/. Cal Poly is family friendly, offering parental leave, educational fee waivers, childcare pre-tax benefits, and an on-campus children’s center (https://www.asi.calpoly.edu/childrens-center/).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum earned bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology (marine, mechanical, electrical, naval, or industrial), or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required for 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. 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, along with a strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching, are required. Demonstrated proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language is required.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING REGARDING THE TRAINING SHIP'S PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work site aboard the training ship requires climbing up and down ship ladders and gangways; lifting and carrying material from pier to training ship; and occasional work in excess heat, cold, dampness or dry atmospheric conditions.
- All mariners should be capable of living and working in cramped spaces on rolling vessels, maintaining balance on a moving deck, rapidly donning an exposure suit, stepping over doorsills of 24 inches in height, opening and closing watertight doors that may weigh up to 56 pounds, pulling heavy objects, up to 50 lbs. in weight, distances of up to 400 feet, climbing steep stairs or vertical ladders without assistance, participating in firefighting and lifesaving efforts, including wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and lifting/controlling fully charged fire hoses. Extended workdays are common.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated excellence in university-level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree), experience with laboratory-based instruction, and/or industry experience. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment is preferred.
Preference will be given to candidates with i) a current U.S. Coast Guard engineer (unlimited) license with appropriate STCW endorsements, ii) prior engineering experience in the maritime industry, iii) a Master’s degree or higher in engineering, engineering technology or engineering management, iv) interest and expertise in more than one technical area, v) experience in an engineering leadership role, and/or vi) leadership training experience.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
A valid USCG medical certificate is required to participate in the training cruise. The incumbent must participate in a random drug-screening program as required by federal law.
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. NOTE: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that tenure-line faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities.
Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, applicants are encouraged to provide the following supplemental documents: (1) cover letter providing details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; (2) current CV; (3) Universal Student Success Statement (see prompt below); (4) a short statement (1-2 pages) about your professional goals, such as continuing education, upgrading licensure, or pursuing creative or research interests.; (5) copy of unofficial transcripts; (6) if applicable, a copy of U.S. Coast Guard License.
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 14th, 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered.
For questions, please contact William Tsai via [email protected].
