Associate​/Full Professor​/Chair-Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

Job Summary

Under the general guidance of the Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the Chair of the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering will be responsible for all the administrative and academic functions of the Department. The Department Chair teaches at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, leads the faculty in continued curricular development, engages in and promotes active research and leads initiatives to build the academic program and to secure necessary funding and accreditations.

This is a senior administrative and academic leadership position requiring significant experience to build and establish a new Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering including recruiting new faculty to support two new BS engineering degree programs in aerospace and mechanical.

• Assumes responsibility for the administrative and academic functions of the department, manages course assignments and enrollment, oversees departmental budget, and conducts student advising.
• Teaches at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Leads the faculty in continued curricula development, student recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Engages in and promotes active research and technology development. Promotes industrial partnerships or collaborations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
• Assumes responsibility for the management and maintenance of all departmental records, and preparation of reports in accordance with college procedures. Obtains and/or manages existing extracurricular grants and contracts either independently or in collaboration with departmental faculty.

Required:

• An earned Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field (e.g., Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science) from an accredited institution.
• A distinguished record of internationally recognized research, evidenced by high impact peer‑reviewed publications and a consistent history of securing external funding (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoD, or industry grants).

None Required.

Knowledge of:

• ABET accreditation standards and the ability to lead the department through the continuous improvement and reporting cycles.
• Basic office and financial processes and procedures.

• Recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff, with a focus on career progression and conflict resolution.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making, multitasking, and time management.
• Both verbal and written communication.

• Assists the dean in supervising and directing the work activities of staff in departments, functional areas, or program.
• Supervises faculty and staff and provides overall direction and expectations for the department, functional area, or program.
• Perform human resources responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system.

Required:

• Requires at least 6 years of experience as a tenure‑track/tenured faculty member in an engineering department.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Candidates must be eligible for immediate appointment of Associate Professor/Full Professor with tenure.

• Previous leadership roles such as Department Chair/Associate Chair, Program Director, or Center Director.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ABET accreditation standards and the ability to lead the department through the continuous improvement and reporting cycles.
• Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff, with a focus on career progression and conflict resolution.

• Routine office environment.
• Sitting or standing in one location much of the time.
• Use of video display terminal

It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a…