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Aerospace Engineering Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This role is driven by self-directed work and collaborative efforts with a team of Engineers ... Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Ag Engineering from an ...

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Aerospace Engineering Director information

What is an aerospace engineering director?

An Aerospace Engineering Director oversees the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They lead engineering teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their role involves strategic planning, collaborating with executives, and integrating new technologies to enhance aerospace products. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills are essential for success in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace engineering director?

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineering Director, you need a robust background in aerospace engineering, project management experience, and typically a relevant advanced degree (such as a Master's in Engineering or an MBA). Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Outstanding leadership, strategic decision-making, and strong communication skills differentiate top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are critical for overseeing complex projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that rigorous engineering standards and business goals are met.

What are some common challenges faced by aerospace engineering directors in their daily work?

Aerospace Engineering Directors often manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously, requiring excellent prioritization and time management skills. They must regularly address technical challenges, regulatory compliance issues, and evolving client demands, often under tight deadlines. Additionally, this role involves balancing the needs of engineering teams, upper management, and external stakeholders while ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget. Adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and strong leadership are key to successfully navigating these challenges and maintaining project momentum.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineering Director jobs in Iowa?

For Aerospace Engineering Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Aerospace Engineering Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Aerospace Engineering Director jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Thermal/Fluids SciencesAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Aerospace Engineering seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to research activities within the Experimental Thermal/Fluids Sciences Laboratory. The successful candidate will support cutting-edge research and assist in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.

This postdoctoral appointment will work in the following areas:

  • Conduct fundamental research in the areas of:

    • Plasma thermodynamics
    • Multiphase flow dynamics
    • Machine learning applications for multiphase flow modeling and prediction
  • Assist the laboratory director with daily laboratory operations, including the supervision and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

  • Prepare technical reports and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed journal publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

  • Contribute to the development of competitive research proposals and other grant-related activities in collaboration with the laboratory director.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD or doctoral degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Documented background in experimental thermal-fluids sciences.
  • Research experience in one or more of the following areas: plasma thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer, multiphase flows, or machine learning-based multiphase flow dynamics and control.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated through scholarly publications and the cover letter.

Department/Program & College Description:

Iowa State has a long history of educational and research excellence in aerospace engineering. This includes training students for engineering careers in aviation starting as early as 1928, housing one of five NASA centers of excellence in Computational Fluid Dynamics in the 1970's, building the world's first Tornado and Downburst simulator, and housing the only university icing research wind tunnel in the United States.

Over the years, our graduates have distinguished themselves in the aerospace profession. Aerospace Engineering students at Iowa State take a rigorous curriculum in core aerospace engineering sciences and design, and have numerous opportunities to pursue hands-on work both inside and outside the department.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Aerospace Engineering - College of Engineering, Iowa State University

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:July 17, 2026Posting Close Date:August 27, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19619

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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