Instructor, Engineering Technology

College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

Pool for Anticipated Openings

The Department of Engineering Technology within the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology offers a variety of educational options that are focused on training students in a relevant, holistic way that is aligned with the needs of leading industries in the region. The program offers students a uniquely balanced curriculum that considers solid theoretical preparation coupled with hands-on learning to prepare real-world-ready graduates.

We are seeking passionate and part-time instructors to help prepare the next generation of industry-ready engineers and technologists.

The Department of Engineering Technology invites applications for engineering technology instructor positions to create a pool for advance and short-notice hiring based on program demand. Engineering technology instructors provide instruction in classroom, laboratory and online formats and develop lesson plans that meet provided student learning outcomes.

This is a part-time temporary instructor position – Start dates vary based on program needs. The instructor is responsible for educating undergraduate engineering technology students through classroom, clinical or online instruction. Applicants will be required to provide “in person” instruction.

Current Openings

We are currently seeking applicants for one or both of the following courses for Spring 2026. However, we encourage you to submit your application if your background is more suited to serving as an instructor for other courses within our department—we anticipate other needs arising in the future.

TECH 325: Programmable Electronic Controllers (TTH 6:00 - 7:50 PM), lecture/lab setting
This course covers the fundamental concepts of PLC with emphasis on Click PLC.
Topics include: Configuration, Electrical interfacing, Input/Output, variables, timers, counters, moving and copying commands, high-speed-counters, Human machine interface, control signals.
TECH 425: Advanced Programmable Electronic Controllers (TTH 2:00 - 3:50 PM), lecture/lab setting
This is the advanced level course with emphasis on Rockwell Automation products (Micro800 PLC family).
Topics include: PLC interfacing, learning Connected Components Workbench software, electrical wiring, troubleshooting, input/output arguments, local and global variables, timers, counters, human machine interface using PanelView, control signals.

Responsibilities:

Teach academic coursework and/or provide lab instruction
Develop lesson plans that meet provided student learning outcomes
Establish and maintain a civil, productive, inclusive and stimulating learning environment
Support and enforce academic and administrative policies

If you have industry experience and a desire to mentor emerging engineers, you’ll find a collaborative environment, engaged students and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Explore the position details and apply

About NIU

Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university, with expertise that benefits its region and spans the globe in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, humanities, arts, business, engineering, education, health and law. The Wall Street Journal and CollegeNET recognize NIU as a leading institution for social mobility, or helping its students climb the socioeconomic ladder. Through its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, and education centers for students and working professionals in Chicago, Naperville and Rockford, NIU offers more than 100 areas of study while serving a diverse and international student body.

Vision, Mission and Core Values

Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach.

The mission of Northern Illinois University is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world.

In pursuing our vision and fulfilling our mission, we value and practice:

Curiosity and creativity.
- We provide our students active learning experiences.
- We champion innovation.
- We commit our resources to supporting students, faculty and staff in their research, artistry and professional development.
Equity and inclusion.
- We seek and are strengthened by the diverse perspectives and experiences of our university community members.
- We use an inclusive decision-making process.
- We appreciate and respect every member of our community.
Ethics and integrity.
- We prepare our students to become global leaders who work to build a better society.
- We model ethical behavior in and out of the classroom.
- We are transparent and accountable to our stakeholders.
Service and stewardship.
- We serve society and confront local, national and global challenges through collaborations that improve our learning, teaching and research.
- We make accessible the knowledge and resources we create.
- We promote our students' success through advising and mentoring.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an AA/EEO employer, NIU considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.