AeroSpace Engineer Assistant Professor

State of South Carolina

• $80K — $95K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or closely related field.
  • Demonstrated research accomplishments in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
  • Strong potential for excellence in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Vision for the future of aerospace engineering education.
  • Experience or knowledge in aerospace structures and mechanics.

Responsibilities

  • Teach and develop aerospace and mechanical engineering curricula at undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Establish an independent, nationally recognized research program in cutting-edge aerospace fields.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across various sectors including academia and industry.
  • Engage in professional service to support departmental and college missions.
  • Contribute to the growth of South Carolina’s aerospace and technology industries.

Benefits

  • Health and life insurance options.
  • Retirement programs including defined benefits and contributions.
  • Paid tuition and scholarships for dependents.
  • Annual leave and paid holidays including extended December breaks.
  • Professional development opportunities.
Full Job Description
Salary: See Position Description
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number:
Agency: University of South Carolina
Opening Date: 09/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Your application must be submitted online at https://apptrkr.com/9855574
Class Code:: UG74
Position Number:: 9855574
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: Unclassified

Job Responsibilities

AeroSpace Engineer Assistant Professor Department: CEC Mechanical Engineering Part/Full Time: Full Time Advertised Salary Range: To commensurate with qualifications

Advertised Job Summary The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia, SC is seeking a qualified applicant for an Assistant Professor Tenure-Track faculty position to support its growing Aerospace Engineering Program. This is a 9-month faculty Assistant Professor position with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027. The successful candidate will hold a tenure home in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The University of South Carolina and MCEC are pursuing a bold vision to support South Carolina's expanding aerospace, advanced manufacturing, technology, and nuclear industries. The College seeks innovative and forward-looking faculty members who are committed to student success, outstanding research, and strengthening the U.S. and South Carolina economy and industrial base. Applicants at the Assistant Professor level should hold a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field. They should demonstrate research accomplishments and strong potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of education in Aerospace Engineering are highly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be expected to establish or expand an internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting edge areas of aerospace and mechanical engineering. Candidates with expertise in aerospace structures and mechanics are encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, structural and nonlinear dynamics, aeroelasticity, fluid-structure interactions, smart and adaptive structures, mechanical metamaterials, and related areas that advance the field of mechanics and aerospace systems. The successful candidates must have the ability to: (1) Teach and develop aerospace and mechanical engineering curricula including lecture, laboratory, or design courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, (2) Develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program, (3) Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams with faculty and other researchers across colleges, institutions, industry, and government; and, (4) Participate actively in professional service and other activities that support the mission of the Department, College, University, and profession. USC is a Flagship, R1 research university experiencing sustained growth in number of students and research. The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing has seven academic departments with over 40 academic programs, more than 3,600 undergraduate students, and received over $73M of competitive federal sponsored research awards in 2025. MCEC received a transformational gift naming the college in 2024 and is on a bold trajectory to continue its rapid rise in elevating student excellence, scholarly impact, and drive economic impact in South Carolina and across the US. This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and remain posted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213702 with: (1) a cover letter, indicating the main area of research (2) A curriculum vitae; (3) A concise statement of research plans; (4) A statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) The names & contact information of at least three references. Questions about the departmental search may be directed to: Professor Sourav Banerjee

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Required Education and Experience Applicants at the Assistant Professor level should hold a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field. They should demonstrate research accomplishments and strong potential for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of education in Aerospace Engineering are highly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications The successful candidates must have the ability to: (1) Teach and develop aerospace and mechanical engineering curricula including lecture, laboratory, or design courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, (2) Develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program, (3) Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams with faculty and other researchers across colleges, institutions, industry, and government; and, (4) Participate actively in professional service and other activities that support the mission of the Department, College, University, and profession.
Additional Comments

Job Close Date Special Instructions to Applicant This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and remain posted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2027. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213702 with: (1) a cover letter, indicating the main area of research (2) A curriculum vitae; (3) A concise statement of research plans; (4) A statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) The names & contact information of at least three references. Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: - Health and Life Insurance - Retirement Programs - Paid Tuition - Dependent Scholarships - Annual Leave - Sick Leave - 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) - Paid Parental Leave - Professional Development Opportunities Clickhttps://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsc.edu%2Fabout%2Foffices_and_divisions%2Fhuman_resources%2Fcareers%2Findex.php&data=05%7C02%7CCORNELIM%40mailbox.sc.edu%7Cf852bcc5b365468ae90208dea9f8b354%7C4b2a4b19d135420e8bb2b1cd238998cc%7C0%7C0%7C639135082793327465%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2FZTRlb2X58uoYCovHxbUZIvTDmCUO6RxuRHZo6lqnxQ%3D&reserved=0 to learn more about why you should work at USC. To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/9855574

Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

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