Open Rank Teaching Professor, Aerospace Engineering

University of North Dakota • Grand Forks, ND

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Dakota invites applications for a 9-month Open Rank Teaching Professor position supporting the Aerospace Engineering program. Depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications, the appointment will be at the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor, Teaching Associate Professor, or Teaching Professor. Applicants may have expertise in aerospace and mechanical engineering areas such as aerospace vehicle design, experimental aeromechanics, aerospace structures, and flight mechanics. The appointment is expected to begin August 16, 2027, or later.

The successful candidate will develop and teach aerospace engineering courses in aerospace engineering design, aerospace and mechanical engineering laboratories, aerospace structures, and flight mechanics. The position includes an approximately 4/4 Fall/Spring course load, teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in on-campus and online formats, and instruction in classroom and laboratory settings. The professor will also support Aerospace Engineering program ABET accreditation, advise students on course planning and graduation requirements, and contribute service to the department, college, university, and professional community. The candidate must communicate effectively in English with students, families, faculty, staff, and professional colleagues, both in person and remotely.

The position requires dedication to excellence in engineering education, adaptability to current teaching methods including online delivery, broad knowledge of emerging aerospace engineering needs and relevant academic and commercial development, and the ability to teach, inspire, mentor, collaborate, and engage with diverse groups. The candidate must be able to advise student competition teams and develop and teach graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.

A PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering education, or a closely related discipline is required, along with teaching experience in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline. A criminal history background check is required. Preferred qualifications include proficiency teaching core undergraduate aerospace or mechanical engineering courses; AE 483 Aeromechanics Laboratory and ME 483 Mechanical Measurements Laboratory at UND; Introduction to Flight Mechanics; and aerospace or mechanical engineering design using CAD.

Applications for full consideration must be received by December 6, 2026. The position remains open until filled. Application materials include a cover letter, curriculum vitae or résumé, statement of teaching interests, contact information for at least three references, and unofficial transcripts. The selected candidate must submit official transcripts upon hire.

Requirements

• PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering education, or a closely related discipline.
• Teaching experience in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated dedication to excellence in engineering education.
• Ability to adapt to current teaching methods, including online delivery.
• Broad knowledge of emerging aerospace engineering needs.
• Broad knowledge of academic and commercial development relevant to aerospace engineering.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work and engage with diverse groups.
• Ability to advise student competition teams.
• Ability to develop and teach graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
• Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
• Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency teaching core undergraduate courses in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• Proficiency teaching AE 483 Aeromechanics Laboratory and ME 483 Mechanical Measurements Laboratory at UND.
• Proficiency teaching the Introduction to Flight Mechanics course.
• Proficiency teaching aerospace or mechanical engineering design using CAD.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach aerospace engineering courses covering aerospace engineering design, aerospace and mechanical engineering laboratories, aerospace structures, and flight mechanics.
• Teach an approximately 4/4 course load during the Fall and Spring semesters in aerospace and mechanical engineering.
• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate aerospace engineering courses on campus and online, in classroom and laboratory settings.
• Perform tasks related to Aerospace Engineering program ABET accreditation.
• Advise students on course planning and fulfillment of graduation requirements.
• Communicate effectively in English with students, families, faculty, staff, and professional colleagues, in person and at a distance.
• Contribute service within the department, college, university, and professional community.
• Advise student competition teams, such as AIAA Design/Build/Fly, the International Rocketry Engineering Competition (IREC), and/or NASA Student Launch.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree