Description
Director of the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
The School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) invites applications for a Director to start in the Fall of 2026. OU seeks an accomplished leader with a demonstrated record of collaborative and visionary leadership, excellence in research and external funding, and a strong commitment to advancing engineering education and industry partnerships. The Director will elevate AME’s impact and innovation in research, creative activity, education, and external engagement.
Housed within the Gallogly College of Engineering, AME offers ABET-accredited B.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The School supports robust undergraduate and graduate enrollments, a growing faculty, and a growing portfolio of research activity across aerospace systems, advanced materials and structures, robotics and autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, fluid and thermal sciences, energy systems, computational engineering, and other interdisciplinary domains. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future trajectory of a dynamic and growing School within a major public research university.
Additionally, The School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering benefits from partnerships among AME faculty with other colleges across the University of Oklahoma, as well as extensive engagement with regional and national aerospace, defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries. These collaborations create a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary research, innovation, workforce development, and technology translation.
The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. Additional required qualifications include:
Collaborative and Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead with a focus on collaboration, working closely with faculty to advance their initiatives and promote the collective success of the School. Proven commitment to fostering a supportive, high-performing academic environment grounded in shared governance. The successful candidate will articulate a compelling strategic vision and guide the School in achieving measurable outcomes in research, education, and external engagement.
Research and Creative Activity: A distinguished record of peer-reviewed publications and significant external research funding, particularly from federal sources such as NASA, NSF, DoD, DOE, and related agencies. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to create and sustain a thriving research and creative environment, support interdisciplinary initiatives, and facilitate faculty collaborations that enhance collective research productivity and impact.
Vision for Educational Excellence: Understanding of university-level teaching and ABET-accredited programs, with a demonstrated vision for advancing aerospace and mechanical engineering education. Commitment to student success, curricular innovation, experiential learning, graduate education, and workforce preparation aligned with evolving industry and societal needs.
External Engagement and Industry Partnerships: Proven ability to engage internal and external stakeholders, including industry, federal laboratories, alumni, and community partners. Demonstrated success in building external industry partnerships and engagement that enhance research opportunities, student pathways, and the School’s national visibility and impact.
To view the position profile, including additional information on the positions and qualifications, please visit https://www.dsgco.com/search/22940-university-of-oklahoma-director-of-aerospace-and-mechanical-engineering/
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit your curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter electronically and in confidence, at the following link: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22940
Confidential nominations or referrals should be directed to: OUDirectorAME@dsgco.com
Matthew Bunting, Managing Director
Vicki Henderson, Senior Search Associate
DSG | Storbeck
This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Oklahoma. The director will be hired at the rank of professor. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expressions (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma:
The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!
Mission of the University of Oklahoma:
The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.
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