How can I apply for Post Doc in Mechanical Engineering?

Can a post-doc successfullly make the professional jump to associate professor?

• Is it possible for a post-doc in the engineering field to shoot straight to an associate professor role, without first becoming an assistant professor?

• Answer:

  It is possible. I had a professor who spent 10+ years in the private sector and was hired as an associate professor. It all depends on your resume and how well you do in your interviews. It is unlikely that you will skip past assistant professor, though, unless you have many years experience in practice and something (beyond your PhD) that suggests you are an outstanding researcher and teacher.