Description
Assistant/Associate Professor Aerospace Engineering
Tenure-Track Position – College of aeronautics and Engineering
Kent State University – Kent OH
Position Number 986039
Assistant/Associate Professor Aerospace Engineering
Tenure-Track Position | College of Aeronautics and Engineering | Kent State University
The School of Engineering in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) at Kent State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Aerospace Engineering, with an expected start date of August 2026.
We seek a dynamic, research-active faculty member committed to advancing aerospace engineering education, research, and innovation in a multidisciplinary and nationally distinctive college. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, curriculum development, and institutional service, while supporting the strategic growth of the School of Engineering across its academic and research programs.
About the School of Engineering
The School of Engineering at Kent State University is part of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, one of the few academic environments in the country that intentionally integrates aeronautics, engineering, and engineering technology within a single college. This structure creates a highly collaborative ecosystem that supports both theoretical and applied approaches to engineering education, research, and workforce development.
The school offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning areas such as aerospace systems, mechatronics, cybersecurity, industrial and systems engineering, and multiple engineering technology disciplines. Faculty and students benefit from a hands-on, design-oriented environment supported by modern laboratories and equipment-intensive facilities that enable work in robotics, advanced manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and aerospace applications.
The School of Engineering collaborates closely with the Center for Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) and the Digital Engineering Design Center (DEDC), advancing research and education in areas such as digital twin technologies, digital engineering design, and model-based systems engineering. These initiatives support growing partnerships with industry and government while positioning the college as a hub for innovation in aerospace systems, digital engineering, and advanced technology development.
Located in Kent, Ohio, the university sits within one of the nation’s leading regions for advanced manufacturing and aerospace supply chain production. Ohio consistently ranks among the top states for manufacturing and is a major supplier to the global aerospace industry, providing faculty and students with extensive opportunities for collaboration with industry, government laboratories, and research partners.
Additional information about programs and facilities can be found at https://www.kent.edu/cae
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct high-quality, externally funded research in areas aligned with aviation science, aeronautics, aerospace systems, or other impactful areas relevant to aviation and aerospace.
- Engage in collaborative research across the college, including with the Center for Advanced Air Mobility, and other research centers (the Digital Engineering Design Center, Cybersecurity, etc.).
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in aeronautics and aviation science disciplines aligned with expertise.
- Mentor students and contribute to curriculum development across the School’s programs.
- Support the expansion of graduate programs and interdisciplinary initiatives.
- Contribute to the academic mission, including service on committees, advising, outreach to prospective students, and engagement with the broader community.
Minimum Qualifications
- A completed Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, or a closely related field is required at the time of appointment.
- Evidence of, or clear potential for, excellence in research, including scholarly publications and pursuit of external funding.
- Demonstrated teaching effectiveness or potential at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
- Commitment to fostering a culture of collaborative learning in both teaching and scholarship.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates working in any area of aerospace engineering will be considered. Research areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:
- Aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and aeroacoustics;
- Aerospace structures, materials, and advanced manufacturing;
- Propulsion, energy systems, and sustainable aviation technologies;
- Flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), and autonomous systems;
- Space systems, astrodynamics, and satellite technologies; and
- Digital engineering, digital twin systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, quantum computing, and advanced computational methods.
Experience with or interest in interdisciplinary research and collaboration, including partnerships with government, private sector, and applied research centers is highly preferred.
Application Instructions
To apply, please visit our jobsite at: jobs.kent.edu and search for position number XXXXXX. Once you apply, please attach:
- A cover letter expressing your interest in the position.
- A combined statement addressing research, teaching, and service philosophies and future plans.
- A curriculum vitae, including names and contact information for four professional references.
To be guaranteed consideration, candidates must apply by April 24, 2026. Review will continue until position is filled.
