Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology (MMET)

DEPARTMENT CHAIR  

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY 

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY  

Rochester Institute of Technology invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology (MMET). RIT seeks a dynamic, visionary leader who fosters innovation and collaboration in a shared governance environment to lead its vibrant educational, research, and service activities while ensuring efficient operations of administrative functions. Preferred candidates will have academic preparation and professional experience enabling them to support and grow the department's undergraduate and graduate programs both within RIT and in industry, along with a documented record of teaching, research/scholarship, and service experience commensurate with the qualifications for tenure at the academic rank of full professor.  

POSITION SUMMARY  

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering Technology (CET) and interacting with leadership of other units on campus, the department chair serves as the principal representative of the MMET department with authority and responsibility for administrative decisions. The department chair is responsible for leading a growing department to support the academic missions of the university, including developing new programs, strengthening existing programs, expanding the research profile of the department, growing collaborative relationships, student recruitment and retention initiatives, and nurturing programs and departmental faculty activity. The department chair leads the department faculty and staff with excellent strategic, organizational and communication skills capable of garnering support for a common vision. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and collaborative leadership; expand faculty and student scholarship; and strengthen innovation and excellence in educational programming.  

The department chair also oversees the department budget, coordinates teaching assignments, evaluates, and mentors department faculty and staff, and ensures student engagement and success. The ideal department chair candidate will have a strong record of research and academic accomplishments, teaching excellence, and a record of service commensurate with the rank of full professor. The department chair is expected to provide strategic vision and leadership to the academic department, including management of the academic program and research labs, continued development of faculty to expand rigorous research, educational, and interdisciplinary programs, and implementation of student success programs.  

This position is an 11-month academic tenured appointment with administrative, teaching, research, and service responsibilities. The department chair will have dedicated time for administrative, educational, strategic, and research initiatives. The successful candidate will have the ability and interest to contribute to a vibrant community committed to student success; professional development and scholarship; integrity and ethics; respect for RIT's core values; innovation and flexibility; teamwork and collaboration.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY AND DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY  

The College of Engineering Technology is home to eight undergraduate programs plus CET Exploration, and five graduate programs. It is one of RIT's nine colleges and enrolls nearly 10% of the university's student body. CET prides itself on its constant evolution, innovation, and global outreach via online learning, corporate education, and international programs. CET is known throughout the RIT, national, and international communities as an excellent choice for an education that embraces the integration of “hands-on-minds-on learning” and application-based instruction grounded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). CET supports all students in an inclusive learning environment and welcomes a student body where first-generation and AALANA (African American, Latin American, and Native American) students represent greater than 30% of the undergraduate population.  

More information on the College of Engineering Technology may be found here: College of Engineering Technology.  

The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology offers an immersive, hands-on education in mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, and manufacturing engineering technology. Home to the nation's second-largest mechanical engineering technology program, MMET enrolls more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Its curriculum prepares students for technical careers through applied study in mechanical, thermal-fluid, and mechatronic system design, robotics and automation, materials, manufacturing, and product development. The department also offers an M.S. in mechatronics and mechanical systems, integrating engineering, robotics, automation, and computing to create smart products and manufacturing systems.  

MMET's interdisciplinary structure brings faculty and laboratories together within a single academic unit, enabling students to develop the breadth and depth needed to collaborate across design, production, automation, and systems integration. Academic advisors, student organizations, and strong industry partnerships further support the student experience. An Industrial Advisory Board of global industry leaders and executives regularly reviews the curriculum to ensure alignment with emerging technologies and workforce needs. Students may also pursue specialized study in areas such as robotics and surface-mount electronics manufacturing.  

Experiential learning is central to the department through RIT's cooperative education program, which enables students to gain professional experience with organizations in aerospace, automotive, and advanced manufacturing. Modern facilities, including the Machine Shop and SHED Makerspace, support applied learning and faculty research in areas such as bio-printed tissue, self healing materials, and robotics. This combination of rigorous academics, industry engagement, and practical training contributes to full-time job placement rates of 95% to 98% and positions MMET as a strong source of career-ready talent.  

More information on the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology may be found here: Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology.  

ABOUT ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY  

Founded in 1829, RIT is a collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, RIT provides exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The university provides unparalleled access and support services for more than 900 deaf and hard-of-hearing students who live, study, and work with hearing students on the RIT campus.  

Beyond the main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has international campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. RIT has more than 21,000 students and more than 150,000 graduates from 50 states and more than 100 nations. RIT has more than 17,000 students enrolled on the main campus, including about 2,000 international students. With an additional 4,000 students enrolled at RIT's global campuses, RIT is driving progress in industries and communities around the world.  

RIT is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In 2019, RIT moved into the high research activity institution, or R2 category under the updated Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning, ranking it among the top six percent of colleges and universities in the nation for research activity.  

Excelling in research and teaching, faculty are passionate about their disciplines and their role in both the lab and the classroom. They are innovative and resourceful. They engage students in the process of discovery and the contribution of new knowledge to their fields. Enthusiasm and commitment to teaching are undeniable characteristics of RIT's faculty. From graphic artists and engineers to scientists and management specialists, they spark curiosity, challenge students to grow, and inspire them to achieve their dreams.  

More information may be found here: www.RIT.edu.  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Earned Ph.D. in a field of engineering/engineering technology, or related field; or an earned doctorate in STEM education with a master's degree in engineering/engineering technology, or related field  
• Approximately ten years of professional experience related to engineering/engineering technology/STEM education teaching and scholarly pursuits  
• Demonstrated track record of sustained scholarly activity through publications and funded research which is aligned with and enhances the department and college's research interests  
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and/or training in the department's fields of expertise  
• Demonstrated administrative and management experience leading and managing an organizational unit including budget oversight, and human resource problem-solving  
• Experience with management of personnel-related activities, such as recruitment, new hire recommendations, and performance evaluations, and overseeing departmental financial processes  
• Demonstrated relevant industry involvement such as association leadership, standards committees, and/or conference participation  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Democratic and collaborative style of leadership with high levels of transparency and strong listening ability, fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners  
• Distinguished record as a scholar commensurate with an appointment at the rank of full professor  
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centeredness and optimization of student learning reflected by active and visible engagement in student activities, initiatives, and programs  
• Previous higher education administrative experience as a leader/chair of an academic department and/or academic program  
• Ability to represent and advocate for the department within the school and university, and to external partners  
• Demonstrated record of success in recruiting and developing high-caliber faculty  
• Appreciation of new teaching methods and educational technology  
• Demonstrated ability to mentor early-career faculty, including underrepresented minority faculty, toward successful promotion and tenure  
• Experience recruiting, retaining, and graduating students (undergraduate and graduate levels)  
• Ability to lead the department toward enhanced sponsored research  

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY  

Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately. Harris Search Associates is assisting RIT for this search. Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. Please send application materials to one of the emails below:  

Jeffrey Harris, Managing Partner | O: 614-798-8500 | M: 614-354-2100 | jeff@HarrisSearch.com  

Peter Rosenthal, Senior Consultant | O: 614-798-8500 | M: 585-406-4199 | peter@HarrisSearch.com  

ADDITIONAL DETAILS  

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the University offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. The expected salary range for this role begins at $165,000 through $180,000 (inclusive of a base, academic year stipend, and two-month summer contract). The starting base salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, market, and organizational considerations.  

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by case basis. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

RIT uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for new and existing employees working on federally funded contracts that contain that requirement. Before considering employment with RIT, please read the language from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Justice by clicking on the associated links below:  

• English E-Verify Participation Poster  
• Spanish E-Verify Participation Poster  
• English Right to Work Poster  
• Spanish Right to Work Poster  

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Clery Act Safety Information  

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is committed to the safety and security of all members of its community. The Clery Act information is provided in compliance with federal law to inform current and potential RIT students and employees of crime reporting procedures; Campus Safety law enforcement authority; crime statistics for three previous calendar years; and other matters of importance related to safety and security on campus. You can obtain a copy of the annual Safety and Security report online at: http://www.rit.edu/fa/publicsafety/federalcompliance.html and selecting the link for the Annual Fire and Safety Report or by contacting the Office of Public Safety at 585-475-2853 or by sending a request to RIT Public Safety 61 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623-5603. 

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