Aerospace Engineering Faculty (Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Practice)

Details•Troy, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is seeking a full-time faculty member in Aerospace Engineering. This position can be at the Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Practice rank. The role involves actively contributing to the core teaching mission of MANE, engaging in department, institute, and professional service activities. RPI, founded in 1824, is the first technological research university in the United States, focused on addressing societal challenges through creativity, science, and technology. The university offers a robust academic environment with extensive research facilities and a strong commitment to employee well-being, including health and retirement benefits, generous paid time off, and tuition remission.

Requirements

Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
Demonstrated professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related discipline.
Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.
Typically 2–5+ years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience (for Lecturer).
Typically 5–10+ years of teaching, industry, and/or research experience (for Senior Lecturer).
Significant industry leadership experience and a national or international reputation for excellence in the field; typically 10–15+ years of distinguished professional experience (for Professor of Practice).
Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental and applied aerospace engineering principles.
Ability to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to develop, organize, and deliver course materials in a clear and engaging manner.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Commitment to supporting student learning, academic success, and professional development.
Ability to contribute to departmental, institute, and professional service activities.
Proficiency with instructional technologies and learning management systems commonly used in higher education.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
For Professor of Practice candidates, demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate professional expertise into impactful educational experiences.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in one or more of the following areas: space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, human factors, or other aerospace engineering specialties that complement and strengthen the department's curriculum.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
Experience developing and delivering innovative, industry-relevant coursework.
Professional experience in the aerospace industry, government laboratories, research organizations, or related sectors.
Evidence of leadership, collaboration, and service within academic, professional, or industry organizations.
For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates, a record of sustained professional achievement and increasing levels of responsibility.
For Professor of Practice candidates, recognized expertise with a national or international reputation for excellence and significant leadership accomplishments in the field.
Ability to contribute to the department's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines.
Develop, update, and deliver high-quality course materials, laboratories, and student learning experiences.
Advise, mentor, and support students in their academic and professional development.
Maintain regular office hours and provide timely feedback on student performance and progress.
Participate in curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
Contribute to the department's teaching mission through innovative instructional practices and experiential learning opportunities.
Engage in departmental, school, institute, and professional service activities, including committee participation and accreditation-related efforts as appropriate.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance educational programs and student opportunities.
Maintain professional expertise and remain current with developments in aerospace engineering and engineering education.
Support recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives for students and academic programs.
For Professor of Practice appointments, leverage significant industry experience and professional networks to strengthen industry engagement, student career readiness, and program visibility.