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

## Tenure-Line Assistant Professor, College of Engineering, Department of Aerospace Engineering Apply locations:
Penn State University Parktime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Yesterday job requisition :
REQ_#
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* ** POSITION SPECIFICS
** The Department of Aerospace Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus, invites applications for 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.

The job duties include establishing an impactful research program, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, developing new courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, advising students and service to the institute and the profession, and contributing to an inclusive community of faculty, staff and students. Applicants must have an earned doctorate in aerospace engineering or a related field by the start date.

Applicants should apply online and submit electronically a single PDF file that contains: a cover letter; a CV; a single (5 pages max) summary of their activities and interests in research and in teaching and advising; and the names and contact information for at least three references. Within their summary, applicants should articulate: their plans to establish a research program attracting outside research sponsorship, contributing to the aerospace industry, and resulting in published research findings;

their 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;  reflecting Penn State’s commitment to our educational mission, candidates should articulate their interests and experience in supporting undergraduate and graduate programs through teaching and advising.

The search committee will review applications as they are received; responses received before 7/9/2026 are assured full consideration.

Inquiries can be sent to Amy Pritchett (apritchett), Professor and Head of Aerospace Engineering.
** About the Department:
** The mission of the Penn State Department of Aerospace Engineering is to nurture and grow aerospace engineers capable of addressing the emerging needs of the aerospace industry. Our vision is to use our collective technical ability and our collective…