[1] After completing his PhD, Sharpe continued on at Johns Hopkins University as the Alonzo G. Decker professor of mechanics engineering and served as department chair from 1983 to 1995.
He started his research employing optical techniques and particularly laser-based interferometry from his graduate work to interrogate fatigue and elastoplasticity of metals.
[2] Sharpe was named an Honorary Member of the Society for Experimental Mechanics in 2012.
[5] He served as the Editor for the Springer Handbook of Experimental Solid Mechanics.
[3] After receiving the Ralph Coats Roe Award of the American Society for Engineering Education in 2007, he initiated the William N. Sharpe Jr. Award for Johns Hopkins University mechanical engineering students demonstrating significant leadership or achievement in extracurricular activities.