UMBC Seeks New Mechanical Engineering Department Chair
The University of Maryland Baltimore County is searching for a leader to manage its growing engineering faculty.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Job Search
The University of Maryland Baltimore County is searching for a new Chair for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This public research university is looking for leadership to oversee its faculty and rapidly expanding student population.
Why it matters
The hire will lead a department that serves over 700 undergraduate students, marking a significant growth period for the school. This position is critical for maintaining the research and academic standards of the R1-classified institution.
The department currently supports 19 tenured and tenure-track faculty members. The College of Engineering and Information Technology, which hosts the department, generated more than $23 million in research expenditures during fiscal year 2025.
The players
University of Maryland Baltimore County
This public research university located in Baltimore is a Carnegie Classification R1 institution that operates on a 500-acre campus.
The details
Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, leadership statement, and research statement alongside three references. All applications are required to be submitted electronically as PDF files via the university portal.
Timeline
Fiscal year 2025 saw the college reach $23 million in research expenditures.
Fall 2026 undergraduate enrollment reached over 700 students.
Review of applications begins on December 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
The search for a new chair aligns with the high-level research output expectations required to maintain the university's status as a Carnegie Classification R1 institution. This leadership hire helps the university sustain its competitive position among major academic research centers.
This leadership transition is primarily an internal academic matter that does not directly alter tuition costs or current student services. Students and faculty can expect a formal review of applicants to move forward following the December deadline.
The takeaway
The university is prioritizing experienced leadership to manage a department that has seen a 24% jump in undergraduate interest. Candidates should prepare comprehensive leadership and research statements to align with the institution's R1 status.
What happens next
Review of all submitted applications will officially begin on December 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local career opportunities on the Baltimore Job Search page.
More information
Interested candidates can review the full requirements and submit materials through the application submission portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.
