Assistant Combustion Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (http://www.mae.usu.edu/) at Utah State University (USU) invites applications for two tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant and Associate Professor levels. Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or closely related fields. Candidates will be considered at either the assistant or associate professor level. The positions are tenure-track academic year (funded for 9-months) appointments with an anticipated start date of August 2025. Candidates in all areas of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will be considered. Preference may be given to those with demonstrated expertise in experimental combustion and propulsion (including but not limited to atmospheric and space applications, small-sat propulsion, green-energy propulsion), or theoretical and computational hypersonic flow (including but not limited to shock influenced chemical reaction in propulsion and boundary layers, hypersonic ionization, and non-equilibrium high-enthalpy flow). In addition to a clear research focus, successful applicants will also have a strong background in engineering fundamentals and will be expected at a minimum to: 1) develop a significant externally funded research program that includes a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and graduate mentorship, 2) effectively teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and 3) actively participate in assigned department and university duties, and demonstrate leadership in relevant technical societies.
Responsibilities

• Develop a significant externally funded research program that includes a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and graduate mentorship.
• Effectively teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Actively participate in assigned department and university duties, and demonstrate leadership in relevant technical societies.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Assistant Professor:

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or closely related fields.
• A strong background in engineering fundamentals.
• Evidence of emerging research streams with potential for extramural support and publication.

Associate Professor:

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or closely related fields.
• A strong background in engineering fundamentals.
• Evidence of established research streams with potential for extramural support and publication.

Preferred Qualifications:
Assistant Professor:

• Demonstrated expertise in
  
  • Experimental combustion and propulsion, or
  • Theoretical and computational hypersonic flow

Associate Professor:

• Demonstrated Excellence and Recognition in
  
  • Experimental combustion and propulsion, or
  • Theoretical and computational hypersonic flow
  • Evidence of funded research experiences and effective teaching in the above areas.

Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
2. Documents below to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
   • Cover Letter
   • Research Statement
   • Teaching Philosophy
3. Contact information for 3 professional references

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with Experience, has excellent benefits
ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
College/Department Highlights
The MAE department has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with enrollments of approximately 800 undergraduate and 100 graduate students, and is the largest department in the College of Engineering. The department offers MS and PhD degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. The department currently has 17 tenured/tenure-track faculty members and 4 professors of practice, with additional part-time instructors from local industry and research institutions. Faculty research areas include fluid dynamics, combustion and propulsion, flight mechanics, space dynamics, advanced materials, controls, and systems engineering with research expenditures in recent years about $3M. Successful applicants may have opportunities to work closely with scientists and engineers from the USU Research Foundation Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), one of 14 Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC). Further, USU faculty also have access to the University of Utah Center for High Performance Computing (CHPC) facilities and the Utah Water Lab. USU is the nearest PhD-granting institution in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering to the Idaho National Laboratory, and is also in close proximity to Hill Air Force Base and other defense related organizations.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 07/2026
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
Old Main Room 405
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322
titleix@usu.edu
(435) 797-1266
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 08/2026