The Department of Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University (SDSU) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank with expertise in aerospace engineering (CSU Working Title: Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering). The candidate is expected to teach aerospace engineering courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and conduct cutting edge, externally funded research. An earned doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field is required. A strong preference will be given to applicants who are advancing artificial intelligence and/or machine learning technologies in aerospace engineering. The current areas of expertise of the Department faculty include aerodynamics, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, propulsion, aerospace structures, aeroelasticity, non-destructive evaluation, guidance and control, and astrodynamics. Candidates that complement the existing department research programs and can collaborate are desired. The Department offers BS and MS degrees in Aerospace Engineering and participates in the Joint Doctoral Programs with the University of California, San Diego.
Required qualifications of the applicant by date of application:
-
A record of original research / scholarly accomplishments and demonstrated capacity and potential to a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research / scholarship activity and establish a high-quality extramurally-funded research program with leading expertise and vision in the field, b) excel at teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and c) engage in both campus and professional service activities and work collaboratively with colleagues as a team member to advance the program.
-
Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria (https://fs-diversity.sdsu.edu/recruitment/bie).
Required qualifications by date of hire:
The Department of Aerospace Engineering has nationally and internationally recognized research programs. A comprehensive aero lab consisting of a mid-size low speed wind tunnel, a Mach number 4.5 supersonic wind tunnel, and a pressurized water tunnel equipped with state-of-the-art flow diagnostic systems are operated within the department. Alumni from the department are among the best flying vehicle designers and notable industry leaders in the nation. In Aviation Week Network's 2017 Workforce Study, SDSU was identified as preferred suppliers and top providers of graduates for hiring within the global aerospace and defense industry. The department actively engages undergraduate students in faculty research and promotes extra-curricular professional activities as evident in the AIAA Design Build and Fly competition as well as successful rocket launches by the student-run SDSU Rocket Project. Notably, the undergraduate student body at the SDSU Aerospace Engineering Department has steadily increased from 100 students in year 2000 to over 600 students at present.
The College of Engineering is the fastest growing of SDSU’s seven Colleges. The city of San Diego enjoys a renowned mild climate year-round and is a family-friendly urban environment. The metropolitan area is the hub of several leading industries, including major defense contractors and aerospace companies. San Diego and Southern California offer exceptional opportunities for research partnerships with the extensive local aerospace industry. For additional information about the department and the university, please visit http://aerospace.sdsu.edu and http://www.sdsu.edu.
Review of the applications will begin on January 18, 2027, and will continue until the position is filled. Expected start date of the position is August 2027. Applicants should apply via PageUp by January 15, 2027 at https://pageup.sdsu.edu/, providing the following materials:
-
Cover letter, indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria.
-
Curriculum Vitae.
-
Names and contact information for three references.
-
Research Statement
-
Teaching Statement
Inquiries may be directed to Prof. Xiaofeng Liu, Search Committee Chair, Xiaofeng.Liu@sdsu.edu.
The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule for Assistant Professors and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The salary range for this position (2360-ASSISTANT PROFESSOR-Grade-3) is from $6,211.00 to $13,224.00. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.
SDSU Values: At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment: All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.
Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to. Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.
The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.