Aerospace Engineering Faculty (Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Practice)

About the Role

The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) invites applications for a full-time Senior Lecturer or Professor of Practice in Aerospace Engineering. Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors. We will also consider entry-level candidates at the Lecturer level and candidates working in other areas of aerospace engineering that will bring additional dimensions to MANE’s teaching mission.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines.
• Develop, update, and deliver high-quality course materials, laboratories, and student learning experiences.
• Advise, mentor, and support students in their academic and professional development.
• Maintain regular office hours and provide timely feedback on student performance and progress.
• Participate in curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
• Contribute to the department's teaching mission through innovative instructional practices and experiential learning opportunities.
• Engage in departmental, school, institute, and professional service activities, including committee participation and accreditation-related efforts as appropriate.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance educational programs and student opportunities.
• Maintain professional expertise and remain current with developments in aerospace engineering and engineering education.
• Support recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives for students and academic programs.
• For Professor of Practice appointments, leverage significant industry experience and professional networks to strengthen industry engagement, student career readiness, and program visibility.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related discipline.
• Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.

Additional Qualifications by Rank

• Lecturer: Typically 2–5+ years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
• Senior Lecturer: Typically 5–10+ years of teaching, industry, and/or research experience.
• Professor of Practice: Significant industry leadership experience and a national or international reputation for excellence in the field; typically 10–15+ years of distinguished professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, human factors, or other aerospace engineering specialties.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student engagement.
• Experience developing and delivering innovative, industry-relevant coursework.
• Professional experience in the aerospace industry, government laboratories, or research organizations.
• Evidence of leadership and collaboration within academic or professional organizations.
• For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates, a record of sustained professional achievement.
• For Professor of Practice candidates, recognized expertise with a national or international reputation.
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental and applied aerospace engineering principles.
• Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with instructional technologies and learning management systems.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• For Professor of Practice candidates, demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking.

Who We Are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

Pay

Expected hiring range:

• Lecturer: $80,000 – $95,000 per 9-month academic year
• Senior Lecturer: $92,000 – $106,000 per 9-month academic year
• Professor of Practice: $96,000 – $140,000 per 9-month academic year

The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors including budget, internal equity, and qualifications.

Schedule

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

No travel or driving required.