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Aerospace Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ecole de technologie superieure

... Aerospace Engineering! Our department offers several study programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These training courses are led by professors who have diverse and complementary ...

MSCCN

$100K/yr

... and Aerospace Engineering), at the University of California, San Diego, (University of California San Diego) is conducting an open search for Adjunct Professors (non-tenure track - Instructor ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Inquiries can be sent to Amy Pritchett (apritchett@psu.edu), Professor and Head of Aerospace Engineering. About the Department: The mission of the Penn State Department of Aerospace Engineering is to ...

Tuskegee University

Earned MS (for instructor/assistant professor), PhD (for associate professor) in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Science, Business, Education or other area appropriate ta the courses to be taught.

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Aerospace Professor information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do aerospace professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace professor in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aerospace Professor vs Aerospace Engineer?

AspectAerospace ProfessorAerospace Engineer
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree; often a Professional Engineer (PE) license
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academiaDesign, development, testing in aerospace companies or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research labsPrivate aerospace firms, government agencies like NASA, defense contractors

While both roles involve aerospace concepts, an Aerospace Professor primarily focuses on teaching and research in academia, often requiring a Ph.D., whereas an Aerospace Engineer applies engineering principles in industry to design and develop aerospace systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by an aerospace professor when balancing teaching, research, and industry collaboration?

Aerospace Professors often navigate the challenge of balancing demanding teaching schedules with ongoing research projects and collaborations with industry partners. Managing time effectively to support students, advance research, and stay current with technological advancements is crucial. Additionally, securing research funding and publishing work while mentoring graduate students can be demanding, but it offers opportunities for professional growth and industry impact. Building strong networks within academia and industry helps address these challenges and can lead to innovative research and career advancement.

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

To thrive as an Aerospace Professor, you need an advanced degree (usually a Ph.D.) in aerospace engineering or a related field, along with a strong background in research and teaching. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB and ANSYS), laboratory equipment, and academic publishing platforms is essential. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills set outstanding professors apart in guiding students and managing research projects. These competencies are crucial for delivering high-quality education, advancing research, and preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals.

What is an aerospace professor?

Aerospace Professors are academic professionals who teach and conduct research in the field of aerospace engineering, which includes the study of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related systems. They work at colleges or universities, instructing students in courses such as aerodynamics, propulsion, materials science, and flight mechanics. In addition to teaching, Aerospace Professors often lead research projects, publish scholarly articles, and mentor students pursuing degrees in aerospace engineering. Their work helps advance technology in aviation and space exploration.
More about Aerospace Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerospace Professor jobs? Cities with the most Aerospace Professor job openings:
What states have the most Aerospace Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Professor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Professor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Professor jobs are:
Aerospace Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Aerospace Engineering Faculty (Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Practice)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Aerospace Engineering Faculty (Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Practice)
Job no: 495912
Work type: Full Time
Location: Troy, NY
Categories: Faculty, School of Engineering, CFHE
Job Summary:
The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a full-time Senior Lecturer or Professor of Practice in Aerospace Engineering. Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors. We will also consider entry level candidates at the Lecturer level and candidates working in other areas of aerospace engineering that will bring additional dimensions to MANE's teaching mission. These appointments may be made for three to five years, and are renewable, contingent upon available funding, enrollment, satisfactory performance, and the business needs of the School of Engineering.
The successful candidate must actively and meaningfully contribute to the core teaching mission of MANE, and engage in department, institute, and professional service activities.
Who we are:
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
  • Demonstrated professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related discipline.
  • Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.

Additional Qualifications by Rank:
  • Lecturer: Typically 2-5+ years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
  • Senior Lecturer: Typically 5-10+ years of teaching, industry, and/or research experience.
  • Professor of Practice: Significant industry leadership experience and a national or international reputation for excellence in the field; typically 10-15+ years of distinguished professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, human factors, or other aerospace engineering specialties that complement and strengthen the department's curriculum.
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
  • Experience developing and delivering innovative, industry-relevant coursework.
  • Professional experience in the aerospace industry, government laboratories, research organizations, or related sectors.
  • Evidence of leadership, collaboration, and service within academic, professional, or industry organizations.
  • For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates, a record of sustained professional achievement and increasing levels of responsibility.
  • For Professor of Practice candidates, recognized expertise with a national or international reputation for excellence and significant leadership accomplishments in the field.
  • Ability to contribute to the department's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental and applied aerospace engineering principles.
  • Ability to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to develop, organize, and deliver course materials in a clear and engaging manner.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
  • Commitment to supporting student learning, academic success, and professional development.
  • Ability to contribute to departmental, institute, and professional service activities.
  • Proficiency with instructional technologies and learning management systems commonly used in higher education.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
  • For Professor of Practice candidates, demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate professional expertise into impactful educational experiences.

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors
Representative Job Duties:
  • Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines.
  • Develop, update, and deliver high-quality course materials, laboratories, and student learning experiences.
  • Advise, mentor, and support students in their academic and professional development.
  • Maintain regular office hours and provide timely feedback on student performance and progress.
  • Participate in curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Contribute to the department's teaching mission through innovative instructional practices and experiential learning opportunities.
  • Engage in departmental, school, institute, and professional service activities, including committee participation and accreditation-related efforts as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance educational programs and student opportunities.
  • Maintain professional expertise and remain current with developments in aerospace engineering and engineering education.
  • Support recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives for students and academic programs.
  • For Professor of Practice appointments, leverage significant industry experience and professional networks to strengthen industry engagement, student career readiness, and program visibility.

Shift:
Business Hours: Monday - Friday
Travel:
No travel
Driving:
No Driving
Starting Salary/Rate:
Expected hiring range:
  • Lecturer: $80,000 - $95,000 per 9-month academic year
  • Senior Lecturer: $92,000 - $106,000 per 9-month academic year
  • Professor of Practice: $96,000 - $140,000 per 9-month academic year

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate's salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application instructions:
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
Job Posted Date:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation and Benefits Information:
Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
Advertised: 08 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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