The BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department (BRAE) in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, tenure-track assistant/associate professor position in agricultural engineering (civil/mechanical) starting August 17, 2026.
The BRAE department is a true Learn by Doing department with two programs: BRAE and Ag Systems Management. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in agricultural engineering. These may include Engineering Topics (Statics, Dynamics, and Strength of Materials), Agriculture Structures (steel and concrete lectures and labs), Agriculture Power and Machinery Management; Mechanical Systems Analysis; Agricultural Systems Management; and Equipment Engineering, depending on the candidate’s background and the department's needs. They are also required to have a research program and assist in department, college, and University service tasks.
Duties may also include, but are not limited to, supervision of undergraduate senior projects, and clubs.
Grade and salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.
Anticipated hiring ranges:
Assistant Professor: $90,948 - $105,156
Associate Professor: $105,492 - $114,720
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, 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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Engineering degrees in Agricultural, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental Sustainability or other relevant engineering discipline. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of appointment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, effective communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public is essential. Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings are required.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interests in undergraduate teaching are required. Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to communicate with industry supporters to secure external funding.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Industry, fabrication, and experience teaching in a hands-on, learn by doing environment is preferred. Candidates should have a strong commitment to teaching excellence and laboratory-based instruction. The ability to collaborate with faculty across the College and University is desirable. Preference will be given to those with experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment. Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience who bring professional capabilities and those who can build connections with industry and foster new relationships.
Registration as a professional engineer, or the ability to obtain registration within two years is also preferred.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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, San Luis Obispo. 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.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The BioResource & Agricultural Engineering Department at Cal Poly has approximately 350 undergraduate students and 11 faculty members. The Department is recognized for the excellence of its engineering and management programs based on the success of its graduates, the expertise of its faculty, the excellence of its research and outreach programs, and the support it receives from engineering and management firms and alumni. The BioResource & Agricultural Engineering Department has graduated many top leaders in the California agricultural sector and beyond.
HOW TO APPLY
Review begin date: November 3, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by November 3, 2025, for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of their highest degree, (4) statement of teaching philosophy, (5) goals and plans for research, and (6) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Finalists for the position will be required to provide three letters of reference. The finalist for the position will be required to provide official transcripts for final consideration before appointment. For additional information, please contact brae@calpoly.edu.