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

Job Summary

The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 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.

About the Role

This appointment may be made for three to five years, and is renewable, contingent upon available funding, enrollment, satisfactory performance, and the business needs of the School of Engineering. The successful candidate must actively and meaningfully contribute to the core teaching mission of MANE, and engage in department, institute, and professional service activities.

Minimum 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

• 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 one or more of the following areas: space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, human factors, or other aerospace engineering specialties that complement and strengthen the department's curriculum.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Experience developing and delivering innovative, industry-relevant coursework.
• Professional experience in the aerospace industry, government laboratories, research organizations, or related sectors.
• Evidence of leadership, collaboration, and service within academic, professional, or industry organizations.
• For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates, a record of sustained professional achievement and increasing levels of responsibility.
• For Professor of Practice candidates, recognized expertise with a national or international reputation for excellence and significant leadership accomplishments in the field.
• Ability to contribute to the department's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.

Representative Job Duties

• 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.

Shift Business Hours

Monday - Friday

Travel

No travel

Driving

No driving required

Starting Salary/Rate

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

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment.