Tenure-Line Assistant Professor, College of Engineering, Department of Aerospace Engineering

Penn State University•University Park, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position to start in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. The position is intended for the rank of Assistant Professor. The College of Engineering and the Department seek to grow their capability for research and education in aircraft designed simultaneously in their physical design and in the algorithms controlling them to create new capabilities for Unmanned Aerial Systems. Particular focus is on the design, prototyping and flight testing of aircraft systems via rigorous aeronautical analysis simultaneous with the creation and implementation of novel autonomous capabilities tailored to the needs of flight. Candidates are expected to demonstrate expertise in intelligent systems as applied to aeronautics suitable for research topics such as creating and implementing UAS capable of targeted observation and online decision making. Experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses such as AERSP 306 Aeronautics, AERSP 402A/B Aircraft Design, AERSP 462/562 Autonomy and specialized graduate courses in a range of associated topics is also expected. Other practical experience with flying that supports flight test and demonstration is preferred.

Requirements

An earned doctorate in aerospace engineering or a related field by the start date
Plans to establish a research program attracting outside research sponsorship, contributing to the aerospace industry, and resulting in published research findings
Vision for collaborating with the disciplinary strengths already in place within the Department and around Penn State in support of cross-disciplinary research and teaching
Interests and experience in supporting undergraduate and graduate programs through teaching and advising