Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Hypersonics

The Opportunity

As a national and world leader in space, aerospace, and hypersonics, the University of Central Florida (UCF) has established a center of excellence in this area and is working to strengthen its research and education mission. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering invites applicants for multiple 9‑month, full‑time faculty positions at the rank of assistant professor (tenure‑earning) or associate professor (tenured).

Candidates with a strong background in hypersonics and space systems are highly encouraged.

• Additive and Advanced Manufacturing for Hypersonics and Space
• Cryogenic and Supercritical Propellant Systems Design, Analysis and Testing
• Laser Diagnostics and Sensors in Hypersonic and Extreme Environments
• Mathematical Foundations of AI, Uncertainty Quantification, and Reduced Order Modeling for Hypersonics and Space
• Any related areas of research in the broader fields of hypersonics and space

Start date:

August 8, 2026. Positions carry a rank commensurate with the candidate’s experience and record. Hiring can include joint and/or secondary appointments, and individual/interdisciplinary infrastructure and startup support will be provided.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of the relevant research areas, build a funded and sustainable research program, and contribute to UCF’s campus efforts in hypersonics and space research.

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in an area appropriate to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Applied Mathematics at the time of appointment
• Record of scholarly publications or sponsored research related to hypersonics
• For a tenured associate professor: demonstrated record of research, teaching, and service commensurate with a tenured appointment at that rank

The ideal candidate should have a sustained record of external research funding in hypersonics and space, experience leading large multidisciplinary proposal teams, and evidence of research productivity through peer‑reviewed publications. Additional qualifications include experience mentoring students, a history of collaborative research, and strong proficiency in written and oral English communication. A clearly articulated research plan supporting collaborative and transformative work in hypersonics and space is required.

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of interest describing qualifications, research agenda, and teaching experience/interest
• 3‑4 page research statement
• 1‑2 page teaching statement

Open until filled.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to the committee at Hypersonics Search. Sponsorship for employment‑based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual (12‑month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance
• Flexible work environment

UCF is required by Florida State Statute 1010.35 to conduct additional screening for certain research‑related positions. Applicants who are nationals of a foreign country who are not permanent residents of the U.S., or who have had at least one year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela, must undergo this screening.

Department:
College of Engineering and Computer Science – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Work schedule:

varies. Type of appointment: regular. Expected salary: negotiable. UCF is an E‑Verify employer and requires residence in Florida as of employment start.