Adjunct-Assistant, Associate, or Professor of Practice-Systems Engineering

Working Title

Adjunct-Assistant, Associate, or Professor of Practice-Systems Engineering

Posting Number

F01955P

Department

SDSMT - Center for Education Innovation

Physical Location of Position (City)

Posting Text

South Dakota Mines is seeking dynamic industry experts and scholar-practitioners to serve as Adjunct Assistant, Associate, or Professor of Practice for our online Master of Engineering – Systems Engineering program within the Center for Education Innovation. We are looking for qualified professionals who possess both appropriate academic credentials and relevant industry expertise and are committed to delivering high-quality, engaging instruction in synchronous and asynchronous online modalities. Successful candidates will guide graduate students through rigorous, industry-relevant coursework, fostering high-impact learning environments utilizing the D2L platform and modern engineering frameworks.

As an adjunct teaching Systems Engineering courses, you will utilize your combined industry and academic expertise to design and deliver courses that educate students on the complexity and transdisciplinary nature of systems engineering.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Deliver High-Quality Instruction (70%):

• Provide instruction consistent with the content and learning objectives of the syllabus,
• Deliver course content to students,
• Provide regular and substantive interactions with students,
• Prepare course materials and lesson plans,
• Grade student work and provide students feedback in a timely manner,
• Address student questions consistent with university and department policies, and
• Provide online or virtual in-person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment.

1. Assess Student Learning (20%):

• Engage in formative and summative assessment of student learning,
• Utilize results of student learning assessment to inform changes in instructional strategies, with a goal of improving student learning, and
• Ensure course-level assessment results that feed the department or program-level assessment work, are provided to the Department when requested.

1. Engage in Continuous Improvement (10%):

• Complete required training(s),
• Comply with Department evaluation of instruction requirements, and
• Identify opportunities for future improvements to the course and instructional delivery and make a plan to implement those improvements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Doctoral degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field OR Doctoral degree with at least 18 graduate credits relevant to delivering quality and effective instruction in the discipline.
• Alternative ways to meet this minimum qualification include:
• A degree in a field listed above, or related field and relevant industry work experience:
• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience working in industry.
• Master’s degree and at least 5 years of experience working in industry.
• Commitment to creating high-quality teaching and learning environments utilizing innovative practices and strategies.
• Five years of relevant professional industry experience Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, information-finding, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to deadlines, practice effective time management, pay attention to details, and be highly organized.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Ten or more years of relevant professional industry experience Prior experience teaching via distance education.
• Understanding of Web Accessibility, universal design, and educational practices that effectively serve all learners.
• Experience utilizing learning management systems (D2L, Blackboard, WebCT, Canvas, Moodle, etc.)

COMPENSATION :

The compensation for this adjunct position is $2,000/credit hour.

APPLICATION PROCESS :

To apply, complete the online application and submit a current resume; name, mailing address, phone number, and email address of three professional references; unofficial degree-posted transcript* (for the degree being used to meet minimum qualifications); and a cover letter. The cover letter must clearly articulate how the applicant’s experience aligns with the stated position minimum and preferred qualifications*.

*Candidates offered a position will be required to submit an official degree-posted transcript directly from the issuing institution.

APPLICATION DEADLINE :

The position is open until filled, and this is an ongoing recruitment.

• Completed application materials received by November 15, 2026 will receive full consideration for Spring 2027 (January – May) appointments.
• Completed applications received by February 15, 2027 will receive full consideration for Summer 2027 (May – August) appointments.
• Completed applications received by June 15, 2027 will receive full consideration for Fall 2027 (August – December) appointments.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu . South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu . Review of applications will begin November 16, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Posting Date

11/05/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

First Consideration Date

11/16/2026

Advertised Salary

$2,000/credit hour

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Tenure Status

Term

Proposed Rank

Professor of Practice Ranks

Work Hours

This is a part-time adjunct position that will be teaching online synchronous and asynchronous courses. In addition to time throughout the week spent engaging with students asynchronously, the adjunct will also engage in live instruction one day per week for two hours per day, scheduled from 4 – 6p (Mountain Time).

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Varied; averaging approximately 10 hours per week.

Appointment Type

Temporary

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

The Center for Education Innovation exists to amplify impact and drive value creation through experiential learning, responsive programs, and high-quality teaching. To this end, the department offers relevant, in-demand academic programs infused with innovative experiential learning, serving clearly defined target student populations, taught by highly qualified faculty with relevant industry experience, and delivered through engaging modalities.

Campus Information:

Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment. The South Dakota Mines Strategic Plan can be found here .

Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments.

Contact Information

Department Head: Darcy Briggs, PhD.

Email: Darcy.Briggs@sdsmt.edu