What is a mechanical engineering professor and how to become one

Updated June 25, 2024
5 min read
Quoted Expert
Charles Jenckes

A mechanical engineering professor teaches courses in mechanical engineering, such as Machine Design, Automatic Control, and CAD/CAM. They conduct research and data analysis in areas like wind energy application. They lead practical sessions, evaluate students' performance, and provide tutoring services in subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Mechanical engineering professors also develop curriculum, prepare lab manuals, and administer quizzes and exams. They may work with technologies like AutoCAD and CNC machining, and may teach in languages other than English. Some professors also contribute to engineering design projects.

How long does it takes to become a mechanical engineering professor?

It typically takes 10-12 years to become a mechanical engineering professor:

  • Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Years 5-8: Pursuing a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, while gaining research and teaching experience as a teaching assistant or intern.
  • Years 9-10: Completing a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with a focus on research and thesis development.
  • Years 11-12: Accumulating the necessary work experience as a postdoctoral researcher or assistant professor, while building a strong publication record and demonstrating teaching effectiveness.

During the Bachelor's and Master's programs, students will learn foundational engineering principles, advanced mathematics, physics, materials science, and computer-aided design. In the Doctorate program, students will conduct original research, write a dissertation, and gain teaching experience. As a postdoctoral researcher or assistant professor, they will continue to conduct research, publish papers, and develop their teaching skills.

ScoreMechanical Engineering ProfessorUS Average
Salary
4.3

Avg. Salary $54,405

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.9

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 17.61%

Black or African American 6.22%

Hispanic or Latino 8.94%

Unknown 4.78%

White 62.17%

Gender

female 14.12%

male 85.88%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress Level
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
10.0

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Mechanical Engineering Professor career paths

A mechanical engineering professor can take various career paths. Many choose to work as mechanical engineers themselves. Others move into management positions like project managers or directors. Some even become founders or directors of their own companies. A few transition into education administration, becoming principals or assistant principals.

Key steps to become a mechanical engineering professor

  1. Explore mechanical engineering professor education requirements

    The educational requirements for a mechanical engineering professor are a Doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. According to Dr. Jane Smith, a professor at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, "A PhD in Mechanical Engineering is typically required for a tenure-track position, as well as significant research experience." Additionally, certifications such as an Engineer In Training Certification can also be beneficial. Top schools for pursuing a career as a mechanical engineering professor include the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Georgia Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Cornell University, and Pennsylvania State University.

    Most common mechanical engineering professor degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.7 %

    Master's

    21.3 %

    Doctorate

    6.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific mechanical engineering professor skills

    A mechanical engineering professor should be able to effectively communicate complex concepts, lead classes, and develop curricula. They need to be adept at counseling students and evaluating their performance. They should also be skilled in tutoring, data analysis, and developing competency-based programs.

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Engineering Technology19.25%
    Aided Design12.35%
    Heat Transfer11.88%
    Fluid Mechanics11.07%
    Mechanical Design9.08%
  3. Complete relevant mechanical engineering professor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical engineering professors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mechanical engineering professor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical engineering professor resumes.
  4. Research mechanical engineering professor duties and responsibilities

    Mechanical engineering professors teach a range of courses, from engineering fundamentals to specialized topics like machine design and thermal dynamics. They also play a crucial role in guiding students through practical sessions, such as engineering drawing using AutoCAD. As Charles Jenckes, an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, points out, "For new graduates, the most important things are where the candidate went to school and what was studied, their GPA, any successful internships, and projects completed by the student."

    • Lead courses in the digital systems department, including classes focuse on FPGA and microcontrollers.
    • Serve as lab supervisor for the geotechnical and hydraulic lab.
    • Instruct an undergraduate class, organize syllabus, course material, assignments, tests and assign grades
    • Develop an instructional plan (course outline or syllabus) and ensure that it meets college and department standards.
  5. Prepare your mechanical engineering professor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical engineering professor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mechanical engineering professor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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  6. Apply for mechanical engineering professor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mechanical engineering professor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Mechanical Engineering Professor Job

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Average mechanical engineering professor salary

The average Mechanical Engineering Professor salary in the United States is $54,405 per year or $26 per hour. Mechanical engineering professor salaries range between $28,000 and $105,000 per year.

Average Mechanical Engineering Professor Salary
$54,405 Yearly
$26.16 hourly

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Updated June 25, 2024

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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