Metzger Endowed Educator in Power Systems Engineering

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at South Dakota State University seeks a distinguished professional to join us as the Metzger Endowed Educator in Power Systems Engineering. This faculty position is ideal for a candidate with strong industry experience who is passionate about sharing expertise with the next generation of engineers. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing the department’s Power and Energy Program, which has supported local industries through $5 million in research funding, 15 undergraduate researchers, and 9 PhD students. The successful candidate will lead the Center for Power Systems Studies (CPSS), expand industry collaborations, teach power-focused electrical engineering courses, supervise senior design projects, recruit students to strengthen program enrollment, and mentor students to successful careers in the electrical power industry. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend industry knowledge with academic leadership and mentoring in a growing, high-impact program. Located in Brookings, South Dakota, this position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position, at the rank of Assistant, Associate or Full Professor of Practice.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university, with over $94 million in annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs, and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. The McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science provides a hands-on, practical education that prepares students for careers in engineering, science, and technology. Our programs emphasize problem-solving, research, and collaboration with industry and government partners. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment and access to cutting-edge resources, while faculty have opportunities to engage in applied research and industry-focused projects that make a real-world impact.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach undergraduate electrical engineering courses emphasizing power areas.
• Supervise senior/capstone design projects in electrical engineering.
• Administer the Center for Power Systems Studies (CPSS) housed within the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The CPSS, founded in 1968, has partnered with the regional power industry to promote student education through direct engagement with professionals. By integrating academic knowledge with industry experience, we aim to strengthen the electrical power workforce and support technological progress both within our region and beyond.
• Participate in student recruitment in electrical engineering with an emphasis on the power areas.
• Provide service to the department, college, and University, as needed.
• Enhance partnerships with stakeholders in the power industry to strengthen the curriculum and provide hands-on experiences for students.
• Develop strong relationships with the power industry to connect students with impactful employment opportunities (i.e. Internships and/or Full-Time).
• Participate in recruiting events and new student orientations.
• Participate in Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering events.

SALARY: The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, starting at $97,000 for Assistant Professor of Practice rank.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned B.S. degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field (by the start date) with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in the US power industry and professional licensure or power systems engineering-related certificate OR Earned M.S. degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related field (by the start date) with a minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in the US power industry.
• The ability or potential to provide outstanding instruction of undergraduate level courses in power systems engineering and related fields.
• The ability or potential to provide leadership for institutional innovation in teaching and learning.
• The ability or potential to develop strong collaborative partnerships with other institutions of higher education, government agencies, industry and non-profit organizations where collaborations will enhance the strengths of the power systems engineering area.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience in teaching at the university level.
• Industry experience in South Dakota and/or neighboring states.
• Hold regional and/or national reputation in power systems engineering that will advance the strengths of the college.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes May 1, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vita, and a reference page with contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact Dr. Sungyong Jung at 605-688-4526 or Sungyong.Jung@sdstate.edu.