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Engineering Professors

Overview

Engineering professors teach college and university students about various engineering fields like mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. They create course materials, lead lectures and labs using cutting-edge technology, and guide students through complex problem-solving projects. These professors also conduct research to develop new technologies and innovations, often collaborating with industry partners and publishing their findings. Many work in flexible environments that combine traditional classroom teaching with online learning platforms and hands-on laboratory work.
Engineering Professors

Did you know?

Most positions require a PhD in engineering and face intense competition, with many qualified candidates competing for limited tenure-track positions.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$107,100.61 Avg/yr

Growth

Fast Growing

Top Skill

Installation

Key Responsibilities

  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate class discussions.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Supervise students' laboratory work.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Review manuscripts for professional journals.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as mechanics, hydraulics, and robotics.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

Career Considerations

Advanced Degree Requirements and Competitive Job Market

Most positions require a PhD in engineering and face intense competition, with many qualified candidates competing for limited tenure-track positions.

Research Funding and Publication Pressure

Success depends heavily on securing federal grants (NSF, NIH, DOE) and maintaining a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Industry Experience and Professional Connections

Maintaining current knowledge through industry partnerships and consulting work is essential for teaching relevance and student career preparation.

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