Associate/Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering (AY 27/28)

Cal Poly•San Luis, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. This position begins around August 12, 2027. Cal Poly is committed to a 'Learn by Doing' philosophy, preparing graduates for immediate impact. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and master's level courses, contribute to curriculum development, conduct research in their area of expertise, and provide service to the department, university, and community. Duties include teaching Aerospace Engineering courses, building a research program that involves students, and preparing students for the aerospace industry. Faculty are expected to engage in high-quality scholarly work, evidenced by peer review, and participate in university service. Expertise in aircraft flight dynamics, flight mechanics, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), autonomy, or related fields is sought. A strong foundation in aircraft dynamics, stability and control, and flight mechanics is necessary, with a preference for applicants whose work integrates classical flight dynamics with modern computational, experimental, autonomous, or data-driven methods. The College of Engineering values a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach to inclusive excellence and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. Cal Poly emphasizes 'Learn by Doing' through extensive lab work and projects.

Requirements

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely-related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required for appointment. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) will be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to or by the start of the appointment.
Demonstrate excellence in teaching.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with students, staff and faculty.
Demonstrated ability to develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience and commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong interests in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with expertise or strong research potential in aircraft flight dynamics, flight mechanics, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), autonomy, or closely related areas.
Applicants whose work connects classical flight dynamics with modern computational, experimental, autonomous, or data-driven methods are especially encouraged to apply.
Qualified candidates with industry experience are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated excellence in university level teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree).
Experience with laboratory-based instruction and/or industry experience.
Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate and master's level courses in Aerospace Engineering.
Support and expand curricular development in Aerospace Engineering.
Pursue research in one's area of expertise.
Provide service to the department, the university, and the community.
Build a vibrant and innovative research program which integrates undergraduate students.
Support and develop students into engineers ready to thrive in the modern aerospace industry.
Engage in scholarly work that is of very high quality as evidenced by external peer review.
Perform service activities at all levels of the University.
Contribute to teaching and curriculum development in the aerospace engineering program, including existing courses in flight dynamics.
Develop an externally funded, applied research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
Demonstrate experience and commitment to hands-on, student-centered learning and teaching.
Collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.