PhD Position for Mechanical Engineering & AI

Apply for prestigious PhD positions in Mechanical Engineering at the Systems Realization Laboratory (SRL@FIT), Florida Institute of Technology, focusing on advanced topics including engineering design, manufacturing, AI, and machine learning. Start Spring or Fall 2026. Full tuition and research assistantships available.

PhD Position at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) Systems Realization Laboratory (SRL): Mechanical Engineering & AI – Spring/Fall 2026

Pursue a pioneering graduate research career with a PhD position in Mechanical Engineering at the Systems Realization Laboratory (SRL@FIT), Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) for Spring 2026 or Fall 2026. The SRL@FIT is internationally recognized for innovation in complex engineered systems, cross-disciplinary design optimization, and the application of artificial intelligence to manufacturing and engineering workflows. Florida Tech invites self-motivated, talented students eager to make a profound impact in cutting-edge engineering research.

Why Apply for a PhD at SRL@FIT?

Florida Tech’s SRL@FIT blends mechanical engineering excellence with multidisciplinary research, offering students full tuition support and graduate assistantships. Graduate students work directly with world-class faculty and industry partners to address real-world challenges in engineering systems, leveraging the latest developments in materials, robotics, data science, and machine learning.

At SRL@FIT, graduate researchers become part of a dynamic academic family dedicated to advancing knowledge at the intersection of engineering design, manufacturing processes, intelligent systems, and computational modeling. Selected candidates join a vibrant research community where innovative work is celebrated and future-ready skills are cultivated for academia, industry, and beyond.

Key Program Features and Benefits

• Start Dates: Candidates may opt for a January (Spring 2026) or August (Fall 2026) start, providing flexibility for planning and transition.

• Financial Support: All selected PhD students receive Graduate Research Assistantships and full tuition support via the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. This ensures recipients can focus fully on research, study, and career development without financial stress.

• Mentorship by Renowned Faculty: Work closely under the guidance of Anand Balu Nellippallil, whose research integrates engineering optimization, AI, and sustainable manufacturing.

SRL@FIT Research Focus Areas

Florida Tech’s Systems Realization Laboratory welcomes candidates with multidisciplinary backgrounds. Research themes include:

• Engineering Design and Systems Engineering: Advanced methods to optimize the performance, manufacturability, and sustainability of complex engineered products.

• Materials and Manufacturing Process Design: Innovations in material selection, process automation, and digital manufacturing for next-generation engineering applications.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Incorporating intelligent techniques for predictive modeling, process optimization, and automated decision-making in engineering contexts.

• Computational Modeling and Optimization: Leveraging computational tools to simulate, analyze, and refine engineered systems across multiple domains.

Candidate Profile and Preferred Qualifications

SRL@FIT seeks highly self-motivated, talented students with multidisciplinary expertise. Strong applicants should demonstrate:

• Academic excellence with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

• Solid background in computational modeling, multidisciplinary design optimization, engineering design, or machine learning.

• The ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams, communicate effectively in English (both written and spoken), and contribute actively to innovative scholarship.

• Demonstrated experience or interest in research areas such as process automation, AI-powered engineering, design analysis, or optimization of complex systems.

• All candidates must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency; GRE scores are optional but can enhance applications.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prospective candidates must submit a comprehensive application package via email to Anand Balu Nellippallil (anellippallil@fit.edu). Ensure all relevant documents are attached in a single email, following the subject line format: “Full Name – Prospective Ph.D. Student – DATE”.

Required documents:

1. Statement of Purpose / Cover Letter (max. 2 pages): Clearly outline your research background, ongoing projects, motivation for doctoral studies, and career goals. Highlight how your expertise will contribute to SRL@FIT’s vision.

2. Academic Transcripts: Include official or unofficial transcripts documenting all undergraduate and graduate studies.

3. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): List GPA, standardized test scores (TOEFL/IELTS, GRE if available), publications, academic honors, and research experiences.

4. Copies of Publications: Attach up to 2 relevant publications if applicable to your field and interests.

Application Deadlines and Selection Process

• Spring 2026 Start: Application deadline October 15, 2025

• Fall 2026 Start: Application deadline January 15, 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Zoom interview to discuss research interests, capabilities, and suitability for the program.

The SRL@FIT Experience and Future Career Impact

Joining SRL@FIT at Florida Tech means engaging in a program that values both technical skill and creative innovation. Students are encouraged to “dream and rise to their full potential,” contributing to projects that advance the realization of complex engineered systems. Graduates of SRL@FIT emerge as leaders in academia, industry, and research institutions worldwide, with strong networks and portfolio-defining achievements.

The SRL@FIT fosters scholarship that blends the frontiers of engineering and artificial intelligence, enabling students to participate in groundbreaking studies and impactful collaborations. Alumni from Florida Tech have landed positions in top engineering firms, research organizations, and universities globally, championing transformative approaches to engineering problems.

This is a unique opportunity for those passionate about mechanical engineering and eager to work on the challenges of tomorrow. Shape the future with leading faculty, advanced research resources, and an inspiring academic community at Florida Tech’s Systems Realization Laboratory. Apply early and join one of the top programs integrating engineering and artificial intelligence for Spring or Fall 2026.