Associate Dean, Engineering Research and Industry Engagement College of Engineering
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
The College of Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona invites applications for the full-time management position of Associate Dean, Engineering Research and Industry Engagement (MPP III).
Cal Poly Pomona is recognized as one of the most diverse regional universities in the Western United States and offers an affordable, life-changing education. Less than 30 miles east of Los Angeles, the campus enjoys the excitement of a diverse metropolitan area while retaining the serenity of a foothill community. As a polytechnic university, Cal Poly Pomona utilizes a technology-enhanced, learn-by-doing approach to education. Students enjoy endless opportunities for involvement in a vibrant and diverse community. As a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Poly Pomona is nationally recognized for advancing student success and social mobility.
The College The mission of the College of Engineering is to produce well-qualified engineering graduates who are ready for immediate and productive entry into the workforce or for graduate study. The College provides practice-oriented education grounded in sound engineering principles while emphasizing teamwork, communication, innovation, and leadership in a global society.
The College serves approximately 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students across seven departments and offers twelve Bachelor of Science degree programs in Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Systems Technology, and Electronic Systems Engineering Technology. Graduate programs include Master of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering , Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering. Undergraduate programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) or Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET.
The College of Engineering is committed to strengthening its research enterprise, expanding industry and government partnerships, and advancing inclusive excellence in support of student and faculty success.
The Position The Associate Dean for Research and Industry Engagement (AD/RIE) works closely with the Dean to provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction to advance the College's research agenda and cultivate productive partnerships with industry, government, and academic collaborators. The Associate Dean supports faculty recruitment, development, and research advancement; oversees research-related facilities and technical staff; and represents the College in internal and external forums.
The Associate Dean reports directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering and collaborates with College leadership, department chairs, faculty, staff, Academic Affairs, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and other internal and external stakeholders to achieve the College's strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities Research Leadership
- Partner with faculty to shape, strengthen, and submit competitive research proposals that advance scholarly impact and external funding success.
- Serve as a strategic liaison between the College and key research partners, including the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
- Cultivate collaborative, interdisciplinary grant activity within the College and across campus to expand undergraduate and graduate research opportunities.
- Proactively identify and promote internal and external funding opportunities aligned with faculty expertise, emerging research areas, and College priorities.
- Design and launch a Dean's Research Seminar Series that showcases faculty scholarship, fosters connection, and elevates the College's research profile.
- Collaborate closely with the College senior budget analyst to support responsible stewardship of grant funds and sustainable research growth.
Industry and Government Engagement
- Build strong, forward-looking partnerships with government organizations, industry partners, and alumni, to deepen engagement.
- Collaborate closely with the Dean, department chairs, college development officers, and career services to cultivate strategic partnerships that advance research, workforce development, and student success
- Expand sponsored research, cross-sector collaboration, and experiential learning opportunities in partnership with industry and government stakeholders.
Technical Staff Supervision
- Serve as manager for approximately nine equipment technicians who support teaching and research laboratories.
- Maintain position descriptions; hire and evaluate technical staff; manage professional development; oversee absence management; and liaise with Human Resources on personnel matters.
- Ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and modernization of laboratory equipment and research infrastructure.
Technology, Facilities and Space Planning
- Collaborate with Facilities, Information Technology, and campus partners to oversee the renovation, repurposing, and modernization of instructional and research spaces, including technology-enabled environments and high-performance computing infrastructure.
- Provide strategic direction on the allocation of physical and technology-supported space resources to departments, faculty researchers, and student groups.
- Work with department chairs and stakeholders to assess needs and recommend adjustments to ensure effective and equitable space utilization.
Internal and External Relations
- Participate in the Dean's Leadership Team, Dean's Council, and other campus and college committees.
- Represent the College in systemwide and external engineering research leadership groups.
- Engage regularly with Academic Affairs and Faculty Affairs leadership regarding research and faculty advancement initiatives.
The incumbent may drive on university business approximately once per month to attend conferences and off-campus events.
Required Qualifications - Earned Ph.D. in Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- Must have achieved tenure or have a record to support tenure based on effective teaching, scholarship, and service that merits appointment at the full professor level in the College of Engineering.
- Minimum of two years of leadership experience (e.g., department chair, associate chair, center director, interim leadership positions, or major committee chair).
- Knowledge of government and industrial funding sources and a successful record of research funding.
- Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives, build collaborative teams, and respond effectively to deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications - Knowledge of and experience in fiscal management and compliance with federal regulations and oversight of grants and contracts.
- Knowledge and experience in managing intellectual property rights and entrepreneurial opportunities, including a record of entrepreneurial attainment.
- Experience in planning, implementing, and sustaining comprehensive research centers or programs.
- Research funding from major federal agencies such as NSF, DOE, and DOD.
- Experience in partnering with industry and business.
- Experience with faculty professional development and mentoring.
- A demonstrated commitment to the recruitment and retention of a culturally diverse and talented faculty and student body.
- Experience working with students from varied educational backgrounds, including first-generation college students.
Applications The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by August 7, 2026.
To apply, a candidate should submit:
A letter of intent addressing how the candidate's experiences match the position requirements and outlining a vision for advancing research and industry engagement in the College; andA current curriculum vitae References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge and approval of the candidate, and at a later stage in the search.
The salary range for this position is $173,520-$185,004 annually. More information about benefits is available through the California State University system.
This is a full-time, on-site MPP III position in the College of Engineering.
Out of State Work The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU's mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California's schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU's business operations almost exclusively reside within California. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. For more information, go to the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy .
Background Check Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment to final job candidates, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any information that the applicant submits for consideration regarding the criminal conviction history such as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate's conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. For more information, go to the CSU Background Check Policy .
Education Code 89521 RequirementsApplicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
CSU Classification Salary Range This position is part of the Management Personnel Plan bargaining unit. The CSU Classification Standards for this position are located on the CSU Classification Standards website. The CSU Salary Schedule is located on the CSU Salary Schedule website. Please refer to the anticipated hiring range for the appropriate salary rate for this particular position.
Employment Eligibility Verification Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. For more information, go to the Acceptable I-9 website .
University Driving Requirements Positions that require driving for university business by using a personal or state vehicle must comply with the Authorized University Driver Policy. Driving records are monitored and evaluated by the Risk Management Department. The Risk Management Department evaluates a good driving report based on the following criteria. The driver must: 1. Have a valid California or other State Driver's license. 2. Have no more than 3 motor vehicle violations or been the cause of 3 accidents in a 12-month period (or any combination of 3 thereof) 3. Not have more than 3 DMV Points, if their license is Class C or, 4. Not have more than 5 DMV Points, if their license is Class A, B, or C with endorsements. For more information, go to the Authorized University Driver Policy .
Conflict of Interest This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file financial interest disclosure forms subject to state regulations. For more information, go to the CSU's Conflict of Interest Policy .
Outside Employment Disclosure Executive and Management Plan Personnel employees must disclose all current outside employment at the time of hire as a precondition of hire and at the following times after hire: annually in July, within 30 days of accepting outside employment, and upon their manager's request. For more information, go to the Outside Employment Disclosure Policy .
Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) 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. See policy at the Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting policy .
Security & Fire Safety In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona's Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at: _security_report.pdf and _safety_report.pdf.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. For more information, see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision poster .
Reasonable Accommodation We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at . For more information, go to Employment Notices .
Equal Employment Opportunity Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in 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 employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona 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.
As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and requests priority referral of protected veterans for our job openings.
Other Notices For other important employment notices, we invite you to visit Cal Poly Pomona's Employment Notices web page.
Advertised: May 18 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 
Never miss an opportunity! Create an alert based on the job you applied for.