24 Part-Time Lecturer Pool – Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Faculty Positions at arenaflex in Chico, CA

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About arenaflex and Our Mission

Arenaflex is a comprehensive and residential public university that holds the prestigious Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation, reflecting our deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. As part of the 23-campus arenaflex system, we educate the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. Our university enrolls over 13,000 students, with more than half identifying as first-generation college students—making us a beacon of opportunity for learners from all backgrounds.

At arenaflex, we are committed to recruiting outstanding faculty members who reflect the intersectional identities of our student body. Our ideal candidates embrace values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps. We seek educators who have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and who will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with bilingual and/or diverse abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Located in Northern California, arenaflex offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Our campus sits just 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and is a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. The city of Chico provides year-round activities, from hiking and biking in nearby parks to enjoying local music and cultural events. We acknowledge and are mindful that arenaflex stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land.

Position Overview: Part-Time Lecturer Pool

The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (MMEM) in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management at arenaflex is currently accepting applications for a pool of part-time lecturers for the 2023-24 academic year. Positions are available as determined by departmental need, and we are seeking qualified candidates who can teach a range of courses in mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering, or advanced manufacturing.

Our department's three programs share several courses, and faculty members regularly teach across the disciplines—providing a collaborative and dynamic academic environment. We are seeking faculty who are competent in their field, collaborative with colleagues and staff, and committed to student success. Appointments from the part-time pool are temporary and often made just prior to the start of the academic term, offering flexibility for candidates with other professional commitments.

Why Join the arenaflex Engineering Team?

The Department of MMEM offers two accredited engineering Bachelor of Science degrees: Mechanical Engineering (with 367 current majors) and Mechatronic Engineering (with 156 current majors), as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Advanced Manufacturing and Applied Robotics (with 22 current majors). The department also offers a minor in Advanced Manufacturing (with 24 current minors). We are one of seven departments in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management.

Our department prides itself on maintaining rigorous curricula, delivering programs that are practice-oriented with a strong design focus, and having accessible faculty who provide a high degree of personal attention to all students. A major strength of our department is the Capstone Design Program, sponsored by industry partners, which provides hands-on design projects for cross-disciplinary teams of mechanical and mechatronic engineering and advanced manufacturing students to design, build, and test real-world solutions.

Our department hosts several active student clubs and organizations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Institute of Mechatronic Engineers (AIME), Materials Research Society (MRS), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), and the Alternative Energy Club. The College and Department typically support several major extracurricular student projects such as the Baja SAE competition, the Formula SAE competition, the SMUD Solar Regatta, and National Association of Rocketry High-Powered competition. arenaflex has a tradition of performing exceptionally well in these competitions.

Key Responsibilities

As a part-time lecturer at arenaflex, your primary responsibility will be teaching at the undergraduate level. Your position duties may also include:

• Undergraduate Instruction: Teach courses in mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering, or advanced manufacturing based upon your qualifications and departmental needs.


• Laboratory Supervision: Oversee and manage laboratory sessions, ensuring safe and effective learning environments for students.


• Student Advising: Provide academic guidance and mentorship to undergraduate students throughout their academic journey.


• Capstone Project Advising: Mentor student teams working on capstone design projects, providing technical expertise and guidance from concept to completion.


• Program Outreach: Participate in departmental outreach activities to recruit prospective students and build relationships with industry partners.


• Curriculum Development: Contribute to course development and improvement initiatives, aligning curriculum with industry standards and best practices.


• Professional Development: Stay current with developments in your field and pursue continuous improvement in teaching methodologies.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field from an accredited institution.


• Teaching Commitment: A strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and student success.


• Communication Skills: Proficiency in spoken and written English to effectively communicate with students, colleagues, and stakeholders.


• Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the three department disciplines: mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering, or advanced manufacturing.


• Diversity and Inclusion: Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and commitment to creating inclusive learning environments.

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following qualifications will strengthen your application and demonstrate your readiness for this role:

• Teaching Experience: Prior college-level teaching experience in engineering or related fields.


• Advanced Education: An advanced or terminal degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in mechanical engineering, mechatronic engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related discipline.


• Industry Experience: Practical industrial experience in mechanical or mechatronic engineering or advanced manufacturing.


• Professional Credentials: Professional engineer's license and/or manufacturing-specific certifications such as Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) or Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT).


• Bilingual Skills: Proficiency in multiple languages, with preference given to bilingual candidates who can serve diverse student populations.


• Research/Scholarly Activity: Evidence of scholarly activity or research in engineering education or technical fields.

Compensation and Benefits

Arenaflex offers competitive compensation packages for part-time lecturers, commensurate with education and experience. The salary structure is based on the lecturer's rank:

• Lecturer A/2: Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $4,530 - $6,056 per month


• Lecturer B/3: Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $5,405 - $11,994 per month


• Lecturer C/4: Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $6,190 - $13,172 per month


• Lecturer D/5: Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $7,794 - $13,797 per month

The anticipated hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with education and experience. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. This position may qualify for benefits, including tuition fee waiver if eligible. arenaflex offers a number of benefits to its employees, such as sick leave, vacation, and health insurance. For more information about eligibility criteria, please visit our Human Resources website.

Career Growth and Development Opportunities

Joining arenaflex as a part-time lecturer opens doors to numerous professional development opportunities. Our campus boasts graduate and undergraduate programs with high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. As a member of our faculty, you will have access to:

• Professional Development: Access to workshops, seminars, and training programs focused on teaching excellence and pedagogical innovation.


• Research Opportunities: Potential collaboration on research projects with colleagues and students.


• Networking: Connections with industry partners through our Capstone Design Program and various student competitions.


• Career Advancement: Pathway to future full-time positions as they become available, with a performance-based evaluation system.


• Inclusive Community: Support for diverse perspectives and contributions to our inclusive pedagogical approach.

The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The arenaflex Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, faculty and students become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit the following materials through our online application portal:

• Cover Letter: Include how you have addressed, or plan to address, teaching to diverse student groups.


• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed resume highlighting your education, experience, and qualifications.


• Course List: A list of courses you believe you are qualified to teach and for which you wish to be considered.


• Transcripts: A copy of unofficial transcripts for your highest earned degree.


• References: Contact information for three professional references.

Additional information may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online; applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered.

Priority Review Date: May 1, 2023

Position Status: Part-time, temporary (academic year)

Location: Chico, CA

Work Authorization: All work must be performed within the State of California

Additional Information

• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with arenaflex. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current arenaflex employees who apply for the position.


• 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 arenaflex Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment.


• For disability-related accommodations, please call the ADA Coordinator at (530) 898-5959.


• All positions are contingent on funding.

Arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. We only employ individuals authorized to work in the U.S.

Join Our Community

If you are passionate about engineering education, committed to student success, and eager to join a diverse and inclusive academic community, we encourage you to apply for this position. At arenaflex, you will find a supportive environment where your expertise and dedication can make a real difference in the lives of our students.

For questions about the position or the application process, please contact:

Professor Gregory Watkins, Search Committee Chair

400 W. First St.

Chico, CA 95929-0789

530-898-4388

We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to the arenaflex family!