Tenure-Line Faculty Position, College of Engineering, Department of Aerospace Engineering and National Security Institute

About the role

The National Security Institute (NSI) and the Department of Aerospace Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA, invite applications for a full-time tenure-line faculty position in Autonomous and Resilient Space Operations. The successful candidate’s academic and tenure home will be the Department of Aerospace Engineering, and the faculty member will be expected to contribute actively in NSI’s research pillar on Aeronautics, Hypersonics, and Space. The position supports Penn State’s growing efforts in next-generation space technologies spanning advanced sensing, autonomous and AI-enabled systems, resilient space architectures, and in-space operations in complex and contested environments.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Distributed spacecraft systems and coordination
• Space domain awareness across Earth-orbit and cislunar environments
• Onboard perception, navigation, guidance, and control for rendezvous and proximity operations
• Resilient spacecraft autonomy and decision-making
• Space robotics
• In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM)

Particular interest is in researchers developing integrated approaches that combine robotics, sensing, onboard intelligence, spacecraft systems, and mission design to enable sustained orbital and cislunar operations. Research that connects foundational science and computational methods with experimental validation and operationally relevant engineering is especially encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Establish an externally funded, internationally recognized research program
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in aerospace engineering
• Develop new courses where appropriate
• Advise undergraduate and graduate students
• Contribute service to the Department, NSI, University, and profession
• Contribute to an inclusive community of faculty, staff, and students
• Contribute to Penn State’s broader vision of building interdisciplinary research and workforce-development programs spanning space technologies, autonomous systems, and national security applications

Qualifications

Candidates at each rank should have an earned doctorate in aerospace engineering or a closely related field by the start date.

Assistant Professor: Must have demonstrated ability as a teacher or research worker; and must have shown definite evidence of growth in scholarly, artistic, or professional achievement.

Associate Professor: Must possess the same qualifications as the assistant professor, but must also provide evidence of an established reputation in scholarly, artistic, or professional achievement.

Professor: Must possess the same qualifications as the associate professor, but must also provide evidence of a substantial record of advanced research and/or creative work, and of leadership in their field of specialization. This rank should be reserved for persons of proven stature in teaching and/or research.

Application materials

Applications should be submitted on the Penn State site. Applicants should submit electronically:

• A complete curriculum vitae
• A research statement summarizing prior research contributions and articulating the research program they plan to pursue after joining Penn State, including opportunities for collaboration with Aerospace Engineering, NSI, and other Penn State units
• A teaching statement describing teaching experience and approach, clearly identifying specific courses in the current Penn State Aerospace Engineering undergraduate and graduate curricula they are prepared to teach, as well as potential new courses they could develop
• The names and contact information of three professional references

For full consideration, applications must be received by November 6, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to Puneet Singla (psingla@psu.edu).

About the department

The Penn State Department of Aerospace Engineering, established in 1961 and the only aerospace engineering department in Pennsylvania, is an international leader in aerospace education, research, and engagement. Its undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students across the core disciplines and integrative systems of aerospace engineering, and the department has growing strengths in astrodynamics, space systems, autonomy, sensing, guidance and control, propulsion, aerodynamics, structures, and vertical lift. The department’s community includes approximately 20 tenure-line faculty, five teaching faculty, and active research and emeritus faculty, together with collaborators across the College of Engineering and ARL. The department moved into the Engineering Collaborative Research and Education (ECoRE) Building in 2024, which provides modern research laboratories, dedicated capstone design space, and innovative classrooms. The department supports B.S., M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. programs in aerospace engineering and emphasizes collegiality, rigorous engineering practice, and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. More information is available at aero.psu.edu.

About the institute

Penn State’s National Security Institute advances national security solutions through interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships with government and industry. NSI is a research-driven institute focused on accelerating the translation of academic breakthroughs into mission-ready solutions while developing the next generation of security-focused researchers and leaders. Its Aeronautics, Hypersonics, and Space pillar brings together expertise in aerospace engineering, propulsion, autonomy, flight systems, sensing, controls, and space systems to address critical national security challenges. NSI complements and collaborates with Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory and connects researchers across colleges, campuses, government agencies, national laboratories, and industry. More information is available at nsi.psu.edu.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Background checks

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.