Subject Matter Expert (SME), Mechanical Engineering Technology/Robotics at InsideHigherEd

Excelsior University is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on a contractual basis to support the development and revision of courses within the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. The SME will possess advanced knowledge and expertise in the relevant course or discipline and will collaborate closely with the Department Chair, Learning Experience Designer, and other university staff throughout the course development process.

This role requires a strong foundation in subject matter expertise, instructional design collaboration, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The course development timeline typically spans 20 weeks (4.5 months), excluding onboarding and compliance training.

Excelsior University fosters a diverse and inclusive environment and values contributions from all members of its global community. Through the guiding principles of Excelsior CARES—Compassion, Agility, Respect, Excellence, and Service—every employee plays a vital role in shaping the student experience.

Reporting to the Department Chair, the SME plays a key role in the design and revision of course content. The SME works closely with the Department Chair, Learning Experience Designer, and other staff across the University during the course development process. The skills and knowledge required for this position include subject expertise, teamwork, the ability to meet requirements and deadlines, course development, strong oral and written communication abilities, and strong critical thinking and synthesis skills.

Excelsior University values students, instructors, employees, and all members of its world-wide community, and actively develops practices and policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Diversity involves recognizing and respecting the richness of ethnic and cultural traditions, and the value of different perspectives related to gender, age, disability, sexual orientation religion, family status, employee tenure, and more. Inclusion is about leveraging these differences and maximizing individual contributions in a way that enhances organizational effectiveness.

At Excelsior, each staff and faculty member contribute to the student experience. Even those of us who may not interact with students are vitally important to creating a positive and successful outcome. The guiding principles, collectively known as Excelsior CARES, shape the environment in which we work and set the standard to which we hold ourselves. Each Excelsior employee is Compassionate, Agile, Respectful, and committed to Excellence and Service.

Courses Requiring Subject Matter Experts

• MET280: Mechanics for Robotics
• MET390: Robotic Control Systems
• MET400: Robotics and Automation
• MET495: Mechanical Engineering Technology Capstone

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the course development team to design or revise course content aligned with program outcomes.
• Develop original lectures, assignments, rubrics, and assessments.
• Ensure course materials reflect current industry practices and emerging trends.
• Participate in weekly or bi-weekly development meetings.
• Respond to team inquiries within 48 hours.
• Align course content with Excelsior’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles.
• Utilize Excelsior’s course shell and instructional design framework.

QUALIFICATIONSSubject Expertise

• Doctorate or Master’s degree with significant professional experience in mechanical engineering technology or related fields.
• Demonstrated industry experience in robotics, automation, control systems, or mechanical systems.
• Teaching experience at a two- or four-year institution preferred.
• Familiarity with curriculum development and instructional design.

Course Design

• Ability to design or update courses based on foundational knowledge and emerging practices.
• Experience identifying relevant learning resources and creating engaging learning activities.
• Understanding of interdisciplinary approaches and global context in engineering education.
• Possess the ability to identify relevant learning resources and content.
• Create engaging learning activities, assignments, and valid assessments of learning.
• Ensure that the course curriculum aligns with Excelsior’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles.
• Commit to being available throughout an agreed upon course development timeline and able to meet project deadlines.
• Participate in weekly or bi-weekly course development meetings.
• Collaborate with the course development team throughout the design process.
• Use the Excelsior University course shell as the framework for the course.
• Write lectures, assignments, rubrics, and provide original content in an editable format.

Aptitudes

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Skills

• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Familiarity with online/distance education and adult learners.
• Proficiency in Canvas or similar LMS platforms.
• Knowledge of SharePoint and Zoom preferred.
• Respond to questions or requests from the course development team within 48 hours.

Compensation for serving as a Clinical Instructor is $4,000.00. Payments are processed on a bi-weekly payroll cycle beginning with the next feasible pay period after the close of late registration. Please note all teaching fees are subject to federal, state, and/or local withholding taxes. Application Information

If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238.

Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

AA/EOE/ADA

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.