Open Positions

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Faculty Positions

Tenure-Track Positions

The Department seeks applicants who wish to build careers in all areas of mechanical engineering, and who demonstrate exceptional promise for future research achievements, a dedication to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and a strong commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. We are especially interested in candidates with a diversity of experiences and perspectives. An applicant’s future research should be rooted in mechanical engineering and coupled with at least one of the Department’s core disciplinary strengths in mechanics of materials and structures, fluid mechanics and thermal sciences, and robotics and mechanical systems.

The Department maintains close collaborations with all other engineering departments and other Schools at Penn including the School of Arts and Sciences, the Perelman School of Medicine, the Wharton School of Business, the School of Dental Medicine, and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. Our faculty engage with leading centers at Penn, including the General Robotics, Automation, Sensing, and Perception (GRASP) Laboratory, the Penn Institute for Computational Science (PICS), the Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM), the NSF Engineering Research Center for the Internet of Things for Precision Agriculture (IoT4Ag), the Center for Soft and Living Matter, and the Center for Precision Engineering for Health (CPE4H). The Department encourages candidates who can leverage and add to these relationships.

Apply now: Interfolio


The Department seeks applicants who will establish research programs at the intersection of mechanical engineering and precision engineering for health and medicine, including, but not limited to diagnostics and microfluidics, wearable and implantable devices, bioprinting and biomaterials, drug delivery and nanotechnology, and medical robotics. Candidates hired through this search will also be members of the newly established Center for Precision Engineering for Health (CPE4H) at Penn.

Candidates should have exceptional promise for future research achievements, a dedication to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, and a strong commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. We are especially interested in candidates with a diversity of experiences and perspectives. An applicant’s future research should be rooted in mechanical engineering and coupled with at least one of the Department’s core disciplinary strengths in mechanics of materials and structures, fluid mechanics and thermal sciences, and robotics and mechanical systems.

Apply now: Interfolio

Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio, and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement (limit of 2 pages), research statement (limit of 4 pages, with an abstract of up to 300 words), diversity statement, names and contact information of 3 references, and up to 3 representative publications. For full consideration, please apply by November 27, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately, so we encourage early submission.


Non-tenure Track

The Department seeks outstanding applicants for a lecturer position to teach courses in robotics and autonomous systems and contribute to the educational programs of the Department and the General Robotics, Automation, Sensing, and Perception (GRASP) Laboratory

We are seeking candidates with an interest in teaching robotics courses at the undergraduate and graduate level in areas such as robot design, development, control, perception, mapping, and learning. Candidates must have a commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education in robotics, autonomous systems, or related fields. We are especially interested in candidates with a diversity of experiences and perspectives. Appointments may be at Senior Lecturer or Lecturer rank commensurate with the candidate’s experience and accomplishments. This position is non-tenure track.

Apply Now: Interfolio

Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio and should include a cover letter (up to 2 pages), Curriculum Vitae, teaching statement (up to 2 pages), and diversity statement, and contact information of 3 references. For full consideration, please apply by November 30, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately, so we encourage early submission.

Penn Engineering strongly supports dual-career couples, and we welcome and encourage inquiries about dual career assistance (for academic and non-academic opportunities) at an early stage of the recruitment process.

Postdoctoral Positions

There are no open positions at this time.

Staff Positions

Academic Coordinator

The Academic Coordinator will support activities in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) department and the Engineering Entrepreneurship (EENT) Program, which is based within the MEAM department. The Academic Coordinator will work closely with the faculty of the EENT Program to support academic and outreach aspects of the Program including: providing administrative support to EENT courses; handling course registration and waitlists; handling the EENT Minor and Graduate Certificate programs; updating Program websites; and facilitating alumni relations. The Coordinator will also work closely with the MEAM Department Chair and Director to coordinate outreach activities to MEAM alumni and industry and provide academic program support.

Apply now: Academic Coordinator (EENT)


Laboratory Instructional Coordinator

The Laboratory Instructional Coordinator in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) in Penn Engineering will supervise and independently maintain departmental prototype and fabrication laboratories during the afternoon/evening shift (1-9pm, Monday -Friday).

Manage the design and construction of custom apparatus/instrumentation which will require excellent proficiency in the use of conventional and CNC manufacturing equipment and computer based design, prototyping and manufacturing tools. Advise faculty, staff, and students on design for manufacturability techniques, material/parts selection and acquisition, and in the safe, proper use of the Precision Machining Laboratory equipment. Coordinate the instruction of students enrolled in machine shop/laboratory, project based courses and shop training modules with focus on the safe, productive and cost effective use of manufacturing resources within the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Department.

Apply Now: Laboratory Instructional Coordinator

The University of Pennsylvania is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.