Teach Engineering at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies!

At UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies (DES), we are dedicated to delivering high-quality engineering education that empowers individuals to excel in their careers and contribute to the ever-evolving industry. Our engineering programs—spanning Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, and Physics—are designed to meet the educational needs of professionals and aspiring engineers alike. For more information about our existing courses, please visit our Engineering website.

As we continue to expand our course offerings, we are seeking experienced engineering professionals and educators who are passionate about teaching, and sharing their expertise with a diverse group of learners. Whether you’re guiding seasoned engineers looking to upskill or helping newcomers enter the field, your role as an instructor will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of engineering leaders.
 

Why Teach with Us?

Make a Lasting Impact
At UC San Diego DES, you’ll do more than teach—you’ll inspire and equip students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the engineering industry.

Engage with Motivated Learners
Work with highly engaged students who are eager to apply what they learn to real-world engineering challenges. Help bridge the gap between theory and practice through applied learning and industry-relevant instruction.

Flexibility and Innovation
We value innovative teaching approaches and encourage instructors to bring fresh ideas to the classroom. If there’s a subject or skillset you believe is critical to today’s engineers but isn’t yet covered in our curriculum, we want to hear from you!

Join a Collaborative Community
Become part of a network of industry experts and fellow educators, working together to provide cutting-edge, practical training that meets the needs of both local and national learners.

If you are an experienced engineering professional with a passion for education and mentorship, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of engineering. Your knowledge and expertise can make a real difference in the careers of aspiring engineers and the industry as a whole.

UC San Diego (DES) is always looking to expand its continuing education offerings in engineering, so we welcome topics suggested by the applicant that may not be yet available to students in our current portfolio of courses and programs.

Apply today and become a part of UC San Diego DES's mission to educate and empower the next generation of engineering innovators!

A reasonable estimate of compensation for teaching one section of this course is $1,000-$6,000. The amount determined within the compensation range is dependent upon course modality, units of instruction, and number of enrollments. Instructional agreements are made on a section-by-section basis at the discretion of the University with no guarantee to teach future sections of this course or any other courses.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; are currently being investigated for misconduct; left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct; or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

· UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

· UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties

· APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Teach & Inspire: Share your subject-matter expertise to educate and engage students.
• Stay Current: Keep up with industry advancements and best practices in your field.
• Course Design: Develop syllabi and curriculum materials as needed.
• Set Expectations: Clearly communicate course objectives, assignments, and grading criteria.
• Deliver Engaging Instruction: Teach in-person, online, or hybrid courses using effective instructional methods.
• Assess & Support Learning: Evaluate student progress, assign grades, and provide feedback.
• Create Interactive Learning Experiences: Design engaging activities to reinforce concepts and encourage participation.
• Continuously Improve Courses: Update materials and refine curriculum based on feedback and industry trends.
• Support Students: Address questions, provide guidance, and foster a motivating learning environment.
• Leverage Technology & Resources: Use Canvas, guest speakers, and other tools to enhance instruction.
• Meet Administrative Deadlines: Manage course logistics, including materials, grading, and required documentation.
• Collaborate & Communicate: Maintain regular communication with the Program Manager and Instructor Services Team.
• Foster Inclusivity: Use cultural competency skills to support international and diverse student populations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A graduate degree MS or PhD from an accredited institution in your relevant field of application (or, in exceptional cases, a combination of education and industry experience)
• Demonstrated expertise and current knowledge in the engineering field, as evidenced by relevant work experience, advanced coursework, certifications, publications, or industry contributions.
• Familiarity with current technologies and industry trends

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active engagement in industry through professional associations or networks
• Recognized leadership or authority in your area of specialization.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills—able to break down complex concepts in a clear and engaging way
• Experience working with diverse learners, ensuring an inclusive learning environment that accommodates varying learning styles and needs
• Teaching experience at college or professional level
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance
• Experience with online teaching platforms or Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, including creating and delivering engaging, interactive content in an online or hybrid setting

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

As an academic department within UC San Diego, all Division of Extended Studies Program instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are “by agreement”. The instructor’s Letter of Agreement outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and compensation terms, and is subject to department policies and procedures.  UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed instructor Letter of Agreement. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be cancelled for any reason, the instructor agreement, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided.  Remuneration is for classroom hours only and does not include time spent for course preparation or other events.
 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please complete all relevant fields in the application, and (optionally) include a resume and cover letter to provide further information relating to your professional and teaching backgrounds. Even if you upload a resume, you MUST answer ALL of the questions in the application, when applicable. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your application.
 

 
UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.