Assistant/associate Professor: Aerospace Vehicle Design, Autonomy, And Systems Architecture

Assistant/Associate Professor: Aerospace Vehicle Design, Autonomy, and Systems Architecture

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications for a tenure-track/tenured faculty position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor with a primary focus on Aerospace Vehicle Design, Autonomy, and Systems Architecture.

This is an opportunity to develop and lead a research program that aligns with and builds upon the Department's existing and growing strengths in Aerospace Engineering. The appointee will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty engaged in these interdisciplinary areas and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Candidates working in the broad and often inter-related areas of Aerospace Engineering are encouraged to apply. Expertise/focus of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

• Aircraft and Spacecraft Design: Design of next-gen aircraft and/or spacecraft, spacecraft architecture, hypersonic flight controls, eVTOL/AAM design and control coupling.
• Aerospace Systems Design: Multidisciplinary design optimization, reduced order modeling, digital twins, human-machine control integration, system-of-systems design.
• Autonomous Aerospace Systems: GNC of aircraft/spacecraft/UAVs/AAM, resilient control of safety-critical aerospace systems, swarm space and air vehicles/multi-agent systems, AI based decision-making.
• Space Systems Architecture, Logistics and Operations: Network models for multi-mission space campaigns, optimization and modeling for in-space logistics, constellation design and management, sensor tasking for space domain awareness.

The individual selected will be assigned one of two tenure-track faculty working titles based on qualifications and record of accomplishment. Specifically, a selected individual with a PhD and limited postdoctoral or equivalent experience will be appointed as Assistant Professor. A selected individual with a PhD who has more than 5 years of independent, post-PhD professional experience beyond the postdoctoral stage, with evidence of an established research program, effective teaching, and professional service, may be appointed as Associate Professor. This faculty position is a full-time, nine-month appointment.

We seek individuals who are enthusiastic about establishing and nurturing a robust, globally acknowledged research program sustained by external funding sources. In this role, they will contribute to enhancing our Department's educational offerings and engage in meaningful service to the University and the wider community. You will have the opportunity to mentor and guide our diverse student body and cultivate advanced courses that reflect your specific areas of expertise. As an integral part of our team, your expertise, and innovative teaching methodologies will significantly impact our Mechanical Engineering curriculum.

Required Job Qualifications

• For Assistant Professor candidates:
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
• Evidence of potential to develop and sustain a robust, externally funded research program in the areas described in the Position Summary.
• Demonstrated scholarship in relevant areas through a record of peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations commensurate with career stage.
• Demonstrated interest in and potential for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
• For Associate Professor candidates:
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of experience beyond doctoral training in academic, government, or industrial research settings.
• Evidence of ability to establish and lead a robust, externally funded research program.
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarship as evidenced by sustained external funding, a strong publication record in high-impact venues, and mentoring of graduate students and/or research staff.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• For Assistant Professor candidates:
• Postdoctoral or equivalent professional research experience in academic, government, or industrial settings.
• Experience with proposal development and evidence of success in securing external research funding, commensurate with career stage.
• Prior teaching or instructional experience at the university level, commensurate with career stage.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries (e.g., propulsion, aerodynamics, autonomy, and/or controls).
• For Associate Professor candidates:
• Established record of securing and managing external research funding as principal investigator.
• Demonstrated success in advising and graduating PhD students.
• Documented record of teaching effectiveness in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering courses.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries (e.g., propulsion, aerodynamics, autonomy, and/or controls).

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume or CV, a statement of research philosophy, a statement of teaching interests, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

The research statement should outline your past contributions, articulate your long-term research vision, and describe major future research directions, including their significance, methods, potential funding, and integration with student teaching and mentorship (2-4 pages). The teaching statement should describe your teaching philosophy, past teaching experience including any evidence of teaching effectiveness, approaches to fostering student learning, strategies for inclusive and effective instruction, and plans for mentoring and curriculum development (1-2 pages).

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Search Contact: Bret Windom, bret.windom@colostate.edu