NU

Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanics for Extreme Conditions

Northwestern University H-1B Engineering Full-timeEvanston, IL $133,000 – $143,000 (Assistant Professor) or $145,000 – $158,000 (Associate Professor) for a nine-month academic appoint
Posted Sep 26, 2026 · Expires Oct 16, 2026

Quick facts

Pay
$133,000 – $143,000 (Assistant Professor) or $145,000 – $158,000 (Associate Professor) for a nine-month academic appoint
Type
Full-time
Location
Evanston, IL
Background
PhD
Industry
Engineering — 264 open jobs
Visa in listing
H-1B
Apply
Free to apply — never pay anyone for a job offer or visa sponsorship

Job description

Department: MCC Mechanical Engineering

Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanics for Extreme Conditions

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor Level. We seek candidates who employ cutting-edge experimental, theoretical, or computational methods to address challenging problems associated with mechanics and materials under extreme conditions and environments, including extreme temperature, pressure, and mechanical loading or impact. Areas of specialization may include, but are not limited to: composites and structures, interfacial and surface science, high-Reynolds-number chemically reacting or multiphase flows, advanced manufacturing, and energy generation, storage, and utilization, all within the context of space and other extreme environments. Research approaches of interest include quantum and exascale computing, high-throughput automated experiments, and multiscale, multiphysics analysis. Applicants should hold an earned PhD or be near completion of their doctoral studies with demonstrated research potential in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related fields.

Application instructions: Candidates are requested to upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research, statement of teaching, and the names and contact information for three to five references. In the cover letter, candidates should summarize their qualifications in developing research in the target areas of specialization. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, all materials including reference letters should be received by November 30, 2026. Application materials should be submitted to the Search Committee Chair, exclusively via the web interface at https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/mechanical/careers/ .

Compensation: The expected base pay range for this position at the Assistant Professor level is $133,000 – $143,000 and at the Associate Professor level is $145,000 – $158,000. This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment, does not include summer salary, and is subject to negotiation. Sponsorship for an H-1B visa may be available for qualified candidates, subject to institutional policies and applicable immigration regulations.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

  • Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).
  • Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.
  • Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.
  • All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the “Submit” button.
  • Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

Visa sponsorship record: Northwestern University

Sponsors actively
772H-1B labor applications (LCA)93% certified
606H-1B petitions approved by USCISapproval rate 99% · 336 new
8Green card filings (PERM)8 certified
$71kMedian H-1B salaryfrom LCA filings
Fiscal yearH-1B LCAsUSCIS approvalsUSCIS denialsPERM
FY20262791522—
FY202531421928
FY20241792353—

This exact kind of role (Postsecondary Teachers) isn't among the roles Northwestern University sponsored most often.

Also filed: E-3 Australian × 7, H-1B1 Singapore × 1 — a good sign for Australian (E-3), Chilean and Singaporean (H-1B1) candidates.

Roles they sponsor most

  • postdoctoral scholar73 LCAs · median $65k
  • research associate53 LCAs · median $69k
  • research assistant professor39 LCAs · median $81k
  • research associate34 LCAs · median $70k
  • postdoctoral scholar30 LCAs · median $62k

Full sponsorship history of Northwestern University →

Which visas can work for this job

Occupation: Postsecondary Teachers (SOC 25-1099) — estimated from the job title.

  • Mentioned in the listing

    H-1B

  • H-1B cap-exempt employer

    Likely cap-exempt (university, affiliated hospital or nonprofit research body): H-1B can be filed any time of year, with no lottery. Confirm with HR.

  • TN (citizens of Canada and Mexico)

    This kind of role may fit the USMCA profession “Teacher (college, university or seminary)” — it depends on the actual duties. No lottery, no cap; you need the matching degree or license.

  • E-3 (Australia) and H-1B1 (Chile, Singapore)

    This employer has filed before (E-3 Australian: 7, H-1B1 Singapore: 1). Same degree requirement as H-1B, but no lottery and a separate quota that is rarely filled.

  • O-1 (extraordinary ability)

    For candidates with awards, publications, press, a high salary or critical roles at distinguished organizations. No cap, no lottery; the employer files a petition.

  • Green card (EB-2 / EB-3 via PERM)

    Filed 8 PERM labor certifications: they have a track record of sponsoring permanent residence.

Salary vs prevailing wage

Prevailing wage data for this occupation and location isn't loaded yet.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC disclosure data (H-1B/H-1B1/E-3 LCA, PERM), OFLC prevailing wage data, USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, E-Verify participating employers. Data loaded: LCA FY2024–FY2026, PERM, USCIS Data Hub, OFLC wages; updated 2026-10-03. Employers are matched by name, so records of companies with similar names can occasionally be mixed up. This is general information, not legal advice — talk to an immigration attorney about your case.