Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Job no: 561782
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Engineering

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University (SDSU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank with expertise in aerospace engineering (CSU Working Title: Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering). The candidate is expected to teach aerospace engineering courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and conduct cutting edge, externally funded research. An earned doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field is required. A strong preference will be given to applicants who are advancing artificial intelligence and/or machine learning technologies in aerospace engineering. The current areas of expertise of the Department faculty include aerodynamics, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, propulsion, aerospace structures, aeroelasticity, non-destructive evaluation, guidance and control, and astrodynamics. Candidates that complement the existing department research programs and can collaborate are desired. The Department offers BS and MS degrees in Aerospace Engineering and participates in the Joint Doctoral Programs with the University of California, San Diego.

Required qualifications of the applicant by date of application:

• A record of original research / scholarly accomplishments and demonstrated capacity and potential to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research / scholarship activity and establish a high-quality extramurally-funded research program with leading expertise and vision in the field, b) excel at teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities and work collaboratively with colleagues as a team member to advance the program.
• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria (https://fs-diversity.sdsu.edu/recruitment/bie).

Required qualifications by date of hire:

• Terminal degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field with all degree requirements met.

The Department of Aerospace Engineering has nationally and internationally recognized research programs. A comprehensive aero lab consisting of a mid-size low speed wind tunnel, a Mach number 4.5 supersonic wind tunnel, and a pressurized water tunnel equipped with state-of-the-art flow diagnostic systems are operated within the department. Alumni from the department are among the best flying vehicle designers and notable industry leaders in the nation. In Aviation Week Network's 2017 Workforce Study, SDSU was identified as preferred suppliers and top providers of graduates for hiring within the global aerospace and defense industry. The department actively engages undergraduate students in faculty research and promotes extra-curricular professional activities as evident in the AIAA Design Build and Fly competition as well as successful rocket launches by the student-run SDSU Rocket Project. Notably, the undergraduate student body at the SDSU Aerospace Engineering Department has steadily increased from 100 students in year 2000 to over 600 students at present.

The College of Engineering is the fastest growing of SDSU's seven Colleges. The city of San Diego enjoys a renowned mild climate year-round and is a family-friendly urban environment. The metropolitan area is the hub of several leading industries, including major defense contractors and aerospace companies. San Diego and Southern California offer exceptional opportunities for research partnerships with the extensive local aerospace industry. For additional information about the department and the university, please visit http://aerospace.sdsu.edu and http://www.sdsu.edu.

Review of the applications will begin on January 18, 2027, and will continue until the position is filled. Expected start date of the position is August 2027. Applicants should apply via PageUp by January 15, 2027 at https://pageup.sdsu.edu/, providing the following materials:

• Cover letter, indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and "Building on Inclusive Excellence" criteria.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Names and contact information for three references.
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement

Inquiries may be directed to Prof. Xiaofeng Liu, Search Committee Chair, [email protected].

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule for Assistant Professors and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The salary range for this position (2360-ASSISTANT PROFESSOR-Grade-3) is from $6,211.00 to $13,224.00. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

Advertised: Sep 25 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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