Description
Position Summary
The Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites applications for a one-year, full-time, non-tenure track faculty position in Systems Engineering. The Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSEE) graduate program is housed in the Department of Operations Research and Engineering Management. We seek an experienced professional with both teaching experience and significant industry background who can bring practical and innovative perspectives to graduate-level instruction. This role involves connecting theory to practice by integrating modern tools, methodologies, and real-world challenges into the classroom.
About the Program
The SMU Systems Engineering graduate program is the first in Texas to obtain and operate under an academic equivalency agreement with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), the primary professional society for Systems Engineers. The MSEE program is designed for working professionals and is delivered in a variety of formats, including cohort-based, online, and traditional face-to-face courses. The program prepares students to lead in complex, interdisciplinary environments and equips them with the skills necessary to solve modern and emerging challenges in systems engineering.
Responsibilities
Teach graduate-level courses in Systems Engineering online, Industry Cohort format, and face-to-face traditional formats.
Incorporate professional, real-world applications and case studies into course content.
Leverage experience with systems engineering tools (e.g., CATIA Magic, other SE tools) to enhance student learning.
Mentor and advise students, fostering connections between academic study and professional practice.
Collaborate with colleagues to ensure curriculum remains current, forward-looking, and responsive to industry needs.
Bring innovative teaching approaches to promote engagement and applied learning.
About the Lyle School of Engineering and the OREM Department
The Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering fosters research excellence, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration across five departments—Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research & Engineering Management, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. The SMU OREM department is deeply connected to the local industry ecosystem, partnering with leading companies to ensure our curriculum stays aligned with real-world needs and emerging technologies. Guided by a highly experienced Industry Advisory Board composed of senior technology leaders, the MSSE program is intentionally designed for working professionals—providing them with relevant, immediately applicable skills and meaningful connections that can accelerate their career.
About SMU
SMU is a nationally ranked, private R1 research university located in the heart of Dallas, Texas—a major hub for technology, defense, manufacturing, healthcare, semiconductor innovation, and corporate R&D. The Dallas–Fort Worth region is one of the largest manufacturing centers in Texas, with more than 7,400 manufacturing establishments employing over 300,000 people, providing an exceptional ecosystem for industry-engaged research and innovation in advanced manufacturing. SMU enrolls over 12,000 students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries, offering small classes, exceptional mentoring, and world-class research facilities, including high-performance computing and modern manufacturing laboratories that support data-intensive, computational, and experimental engineering research.
All applications must be submitted through Interfolio using the link below:
https://apply.interfolio.com/182930
Application Instructions
Candidates are required to submit with their application a cover letter that includes teaching philosophy, industry experience and relevance to the MSEE program, Curriculum Vitae, and contact information for three professional references. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by April 30, 2026. The committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled and will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. The start date for this position is negotiable, but the desired start date is August 1, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU's commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX1 Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.
For any questions about the position, applicants are welcome to reach out to Dr. Harsha Gangammanavar, Search Committee Chair, at harsha@smu.edu.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, or a closely related field. A doctoral degree in Systems Engineering or a related field is preferred.
- Demonstrated teaching experience at the university or professional level. Experience teaching in multiple modalities (online, hybrid, cohort-based) is preferred.
- Significant professional/industry experience in systems engineering, with current or recent ties to industry strongly preferred.
- Active involvement in professional societies or industry consortia related to systems engineering is also preferred.
- Familiarity with and practical experience using industry-standard systems engineering tools (e.g., CATIA Magic, other MBSE platforms, DOORS).
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and inspire diverse student populations.
