Aerospace Engineering Assistant or Associate Professor

Utah State University•Logan, UT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at Utah State University (USU) is seeking two tenure-track faculty members in aerospace engineering. The positions focus on areas such as high-speed aerodynamics and hypersonic flows, propulsion, system identification, guidance, navigation, and control, uncertainty quantification, or multi-agent systems applied to aerospace. One position specifically targets candidates with research and teaching interests in propulsion (rocket, jet, low thrust, etc.), high-speed fluid dynamics, or flight dynamics. Both computational and experimental researchers are encouraged to apply. A significant focus for one of the candidates will be supporting the expanding fields of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Air Systems (UAS). Specific interests within AAM and UAS include the design, development, modeling, and flight testing of eVTOL concepts (fixed-wing and rotor), sUAS, applying system identification and control to AAM, unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems, AAM propulsion, and multi-agent systems, swarming, and autonomy. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field. The positions are open to both Assistant and Associate Professor levels. This is an academic-year position (9-month funding) with a potential start date in Spring 2027 or negotiable. The successful candidates are expected to build robust research programs funded by external and federal sources, foster partnerships that align with USU's existing capabilities, and enhance the MAE department's expertise in aerospace systems. Teaching duties may cover fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, aerospace controls/state estimation/system identification, flight dynamics and simulation, or numerical methods. New courses in specialized aerospace engineering topics may also be developed based on the candidate's expertise.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
A strong background in engineering fundamentals.
Evidence of emerging research streams with potential for extramural support and publication (for Assistant Professor).
Evidence of established research streams with potential for extramural support and publication (for Associate Professor).

Responsibilities

Develop a significant externally funded research program that includes a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and graduate mentorship.
Effectively teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
Actively participate in assigned department and university duties, and demonstrate leadership in relevant technical societies.