Term Assistant Professor of Aviation Technology

The University of Alaska Anchorage, Aviation Technology Division is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) / Drone Faculty member to teach and develop coursework in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on drone operations experience, strong knowledge of FAA Part 107 regulations, and a passion for student‑centered teaching. This position offers the opportunity to shape a growing UAS program through classroom instruction, labs, and real‑world flight training.

Candidates who enjoy bridging technology, safety, and applied learning in an academic environment are encouraged to apply.

The UAS Faculty member is responsible for teaching, developing, and delivering undergraduate coursework in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, including remote pilot operations, safety, regulations, mission planning, data collection, and emerging drone technologies. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with effective teaching practices to prepare students for careers in commercial, governmental, and research‑based drone operations. This role may also support curriculum development, laboratory instruction, industry partnerships, student research, and program growth.

A strong candidate for the UAS / Drone faculty position brings a blend of technical expertise, operational experience, and student‑centered teaching ability. They are proficient in operating multirotor and fixed‑wing UAS platforms and possess a solid working knowledge of FAA Part 107 regulations, airspace, mission planning, weather interpretation, and risk assessment. They are comfortable conducting preflight and postflight inspections, troubleshooting and maintaining aircraft, and integrating sensor payloads such as RGB, thermal, multispectral, and LiDAR into real‑world missions.

Beyond flight operations, they have experience with photogrammetry, mapping, GIS, and basic data processing and visualization, allowing them to connect flight activities to meaningful analytical outcomes. Equally important, they understand safety management principles, operational documentation, and ethical considerations surrounding data collection and privacy. As an educator, they are able to clearly explain complex technical concepts, design engaging lessons and hands‑on labs, assess student learning, and mentor students toward professional growth.

They have a minimum of two years of experience working with complex web applications, database management systems, Excel, Word, calendaring, and email systems. They demonstrate strong organization, adaptability, problem‑solving, and collaboration skills, and often bring experience from commercial UAS operations, research projects, or manned aviation backgrounds. Having experience with large drones (Predator level) would be ideal.

• Baccalaureate Degree in Aviation Technology, Aviation Safety, Management, Education or an appropriate related discipline
• Associate Degree and three years of professional aviation experience
• FAA Commercial Certificate with Airplane and Instrument rating, Certificated Flight Instructor Certificate with Airplane Single‑ and Multi‑engine Land, and Instrument rating
• FAA Part 107 certification
• Experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations
• Experience in curriculum development
• Industry or research background in applications such as surveying, public safety, or logistics

This position is located on the Aviation Technology Complex at Merrill Field Airport in Anchorage, AK. This is a full‑time, 9‑month base, term‑funded faculty position complete with a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, faculty time off (FTO), 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

Please attach the following to your application:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Teaching
• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applicants will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration, you must apply by March 3, 2026.

If you have…