Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering

About the role

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank. The successful candidate will teach aerospace engineering courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and conduct cutting‑edge, externally funded research, with a strong preference for expertise in artificial intelligence and/or machine learning applications to aerospace engineering.

Responsibilities

• Teach aerospace engineering courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Develop and maintain a vigorous, independent research program and secure external funding.
• Excel at teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Engage in campus and professional service activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to advance the department’s research and educational programs.

Requirements

• Earned doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field.
• Record of original research/scholarly accomplishments.
• Demonstrated capacity and potential to (a) develop a vigorous independent research program, (b) excel at teaching and mentoring, and (c) engage in service and collaborative work.
• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria.
• Terminal degree must be completed by the date of hire.

Qualifications

• Preferred qualification: expertise advancing artificial intelligence and/or machine learning technologies in aerospace engineering.
• Background in departmental research areas such as aerodynamics, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, propulsion, aerospace structures, aeroelasticity, non‑destructive evaluation, guidance and control, and astrodynamics is desirable.

Skills

• Aerodynamics, computational and experimental fluid mechanics.
• Propulsion, aerospace structures, aeroelasticity.
• Non‑destructive evaluation, guidance and control, astrodynamics.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to aerospace problems.
• Ability to secure external research funding and mentor students.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package constituting a major portion of total compensation (details available via the university benefits link).
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art aeronautical facilities including a mid‑size low‑speed wind tunnel, Mach 4.5 supersonic wind tunnel, and pressurized water tunnel with advanced flow diagnostics.
• Opportunities for collaboration with local aerospace industry and research partnerships.

Pay

The salary range for this position (CSU grade 2360‑ASSISTANT PROFESSOR‑Grade‑3) is from $6,211.00 to $13,224.00 per month. Placement within the range is based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience; salaries above the published maximum may be offered in limited circumstances.

Schedule

• Full‑time, tenure‑track position.
• Review of applications begins January 18, 2027 and continues until the position is filled.
• Application deadline for full consideration: January 15, 2027.
• Expected start date: August 2027.