Job description
Institution: South Dakota Mines
Posting Number: F01775P
Department: SDSMT-Industrial Engineering
Physical Location of Position (City): Rapid City
Posting Text
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology invites applications for the position of Department Head and Associate Professor or Professor of Industrial Engineering. This is a twelve-month position. South Dakota Mines seeks a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative individual with a vision for leading the department in its growth in educational innovation and scholarship. The successful applicant will possess an earned doctorate in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Engineering Management, or a closely related discipline from an accredited university.
The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong record of teaching and scholarship in any industrial engineering and engineering management discipline to warrant a tenured appointment, subject to the SD Board of Regents’ approval. The successful applicant should also possess the vision and leadership skills necessary to lead faculty representing a diversified range of interests; demonstrated successful administrative and management skills; expertise with budget oversight; supervisory experience; effective written and oral communication skills; strong organizational skills; and the ability to initiate, implement, and collaborate on cross-disciplinary activities. The desired start date is June 22, 2026.
The Industrial Engineering Department currently serves approximately 120 undergraduate and 40 graduate students. The department offers an ABET accredited B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, an online M.S. degree in Engineering Management, and an on-campus M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. In addition, our faculty participate in multidisciplinary Ph.D. programs in Data Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. For more information regarding the Industrial Engineering Department click here. A strategic plan for the department is to develop and grow graduate student research in industrial engineering, and the successful candidate will be expected to lead the department in fulfilling this vision.
South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses, and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Individuals interested in this position must apply online at Careers at Mines (sdsmt.edu). Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin January 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Those wishing further information about the search process may contact search committee chair Dr. James Stone at [email protected].
Open Until Filled: Yes
First Consideration Date: 01/20/2026
Duration of the Term: 12 months
Tenure Status
Tenured
Proposed Rank
Professor
Appointment Type: Regular
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.
Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
At Mines, student life is vibrant and welcoming, offering more than 80 clubs and organizations that foster a sense of community and provide leadership opportunities. Co-curricular activities, such as internships, cooperative education opportunities, and professional development programs, ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience in their fields while enhancing their academic learning. Students can explore their passions outside the classroom, from competitive athletics, music programs, and intramural sports to professional societies, competitive engineering teams, and cultural clubs.
South Dakota Mines faculty, staff, and students drive groundbreaking research across five main areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, deep underground science and engineering, critical and sustainable resources, smart and resilient cyber-infrastructure, and data science and numerical modeling. This research advances technology and innovation and offers students hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and beyond. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, South Dakota Mines provides programming that empowers students and faculty to transform scientific and technological innovations into viable products and startups.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city, with an MSA population of over 158,000. The city sees an average of 226 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by many things to see and do. The region has roughly 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery in the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails as well as top attractions like historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.
How to apply
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination.
Contact Information
Those wishing further information about the search process may contact search committee chair Dr. James Stone at [email protected].
