Tenure-Track Faculty in Aerospace Engineering Sciences

About the role

The Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for four tenure-track faculty positions with a targeted focus in Bioastronautics and Human Space Exploration, Aeronautics and Aviation, or Aerospace Sensing, Navigation, and Information Systems. Candidates whose work bridges or complements existing departmental strengths, helps establish new strategic strengths, or advances emerging directions in Aerospace Engineering Sciences are also encouraged to apply. The department is nationally recognized for teaching and research, hosts multiple research centers (RECUV, CCAR, AMReC, BioServe, IRISS, CEAS Robotics Program), serves over 6,000 undergraduate, 1,300 master’s, and 850 PhD students, and maintains strong industry ties with organizations such as JPL, Johnson Space Center, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Anduril, and Draper Laboratory. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027, subject to negotiation. The University of Colorado Boulder has implemented a reference check program for final candidates to review conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination before hiring decisions; all final candidates must complete an Authorization to Release Information.

Responsibilities

• Engage in undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentoring.
• Develop an externally funded research program in the technical area.
• Contribute professional leadership and service to the department, college, and professional community.
• Cultivate and contribute to the inclusive excellence of the academic community.
• Typical work distribution: 40% teaching, 40% scholarly and creative work (research), 20% leadership and service.

Requirements

• Earned a research doctorate in aerospace, aeronautical, or astronautical engineering, or a closely related field, or have the degree conferred before starting a tenure‑track faculty appointment.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to teach and work in a highly collaborative environment.
• Understanding and appreciation for aerospace engineering fundamentals; excellent management, communication, and organizational skills; willingness to learn quickly.
• Ability to develop an externally funded research program that can include collaborations with colleagues throughout the Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department and across the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
• Capability to teach a wide range of undergraduate aerospace engineering courses in both lecture and laboratory formats.
• Capability to teach core graduate courses and develop new graduate courses.
• Prior experience teaching, conducting research, and/or industry experience in aerospace engineering, aeronautics, astronautics, or closely related fields.
• Research focus on one of the three topical areas (Bioastronautics and Human Space Exploration; Aeronautics and Aviation; Aerospace Sensing, Navigation, and Information Systems) or other critical areas within Aerospace Engineering Sciences.

Pay

• Anticipated academic year salary range for the Assistant Professor rank: $110,000–$125,000.
• A relocation stipend may be available within CEAS guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive 401(a) retirement plan: employees contribute 5% of annual eligible compensation; CU contributes 10% of eligible compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for employee and dependents.
• ECO Pass for local transit.
• Gender‑neutral paid parental leave.
• Housing down‑payment assistance programs.
• Dual