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Aerospace Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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 ...

Position Information Position Title Assistant/Associate Professor Job Summary The Assistant ... D. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related discipline * Expertise in Aerodynamics, Space ...

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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 Jun 9, 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, and why are they important?

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 are Aerospace Professors?

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:
Research Associate Professor

Research Associate Professor

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Associate Professor

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536364
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific

Job Description

The Research Associate Professor in Aerospace Propulsion will lead and execute externally funded research programs within the Advanced Propulsion and Power Laboratory at Virginia Tech. The position emphasizes the integration of experimental and computational methods to advance technology and methods for gas turbine engines and hypersonic aerodynamic systems. The successful candidate will be expected to secure and sustain sponsored research funding, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to the instructional mission through teaching in aerospace engineering. This role also requires establishing a collaborative research program that engages academic, industry, and government partners while advancing innovative propulsion technologies.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
Credentials and experience consistent with appointment at the rank of Research Associate Professor
Demonstrated record of scholarly publications in aerospace propulsion or related areas
Proven experience managing and executing research projects
Demonstrated success in securing external research funding
Experience designing and conducting experiments, including data analysis and interpretation
Experience with research-grade computational methods relevant to propulsion or fluid dynamics
Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in industrial gas turbine research and development
Expertise in optimization and inverse methods applied to aerospace propulsion
Experience specifying, designing, and commissioning experimental test rigs for propulsion systems
Experience in hypersonic aerodynamics and associated heat transfer phenomena
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative research programs across academia, industry, and government
Demonstrated ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate research students and/or early career professionals

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

140,000-150,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

05/20/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Wilson at erinwilson@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: May 7, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

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Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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