Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

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POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Aerospace Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus, invites applications for full-time, tenure-track faculty position to start in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. The position is intended for the rank of Assistant Professor. The College of Engineering and the Department seek to grow their capability for research and education in aircraft designed simultaneously in their physical design and in the algorithms controlling them to create new capabilities for Unmanned Aerial Systems. Particular focus is on the design, prototyping and flight testing of aircraft systems via rigorous aeronautical analysis simultaneous with the creation and implementation of novel autonomous capabilities tailored to the needs of flight. Candidates are expected to demonstrate expertise in intelligent systems as applied to aeronautics suitable for research topics such as creating and implementing UAS capable of targeted observation and online decision making. Experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses such as AERSP 306 Aeronautics, AERSP 402A/B Aircraft Design, AERSP 462/562 Autonomy and specialized graduate courses in a range of associated topics is also expected. Other practical experience with flying that supports flight test and demonstration is preferred.
The job duties include establishing an impactful research program, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, developing new courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, advising students and service to the institute and the profession, and contributing to an inclusive community of faculty, staff and students. Applicants must have an earned doctorate in aerospace engineering or a related field by the start date.
Applicants should apply online and submit electronically a single PDF file that contains: a cover letter; a CV; a single (5 pages max) summary of their activities and interests in research and in teaching and advising; and the names and contact information for at least three references. Within their summary, applicants should articulate: their plans to establish a research program attracting outside research sponsorship, contributing to the aerospace industry, and resulting in published research findings; their vision for collaborating with the disciplinary strengths already in place within the Department and around Penn State in support of cross-disciplinary research and teaching; reflecting Penn State's commitment to our educational mission, candidates should articulate their interests and experience in supporting undergraduate and graduate programs through teaching and advising.
The search committee will review applications as they are received; responses received before 7/9/2026 are assured full consideration.
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 nurture and grow aerospace engineers capable of addressing the emerging needs of the aerospace industry. Our vision is to use our collective technical ability and our collective passion for flight to grow thought leaders and technical innovators in our field and to create an environment in which: our faculty are the top scholars and creative leaders in our field, and our students are steeped in an inclusive culture valuing a rigorous approach to tough problems faced by the Aerospace Industry.
We have crafted this mission and vision to reflect both our passion for the field of aerospace engineering, and our chosen strategy of contributing to the field by nurturing and supporting people in all their career stages - undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty - and the community within which we operate. We believe that we have a unique competitive advantage in our emphasis on supporting people and community: we attract faculty who want to work together in a collegial environment with all the benefits this brings to faculty productivity and inter-disciplinary efforts; our instruction is based on a vision of supporting the whole person; and inclusivity is vital to our community.
Our community includes 6 teaching faculty, 20 tenure-line faculty, and numerous active emeritus faculty, research faculty, and collaborators in other engineering departments and in the Applied Research Lab. Excitement for our undergraduate and graduate programs are strong and we are growing steadily. We moved to the new Engineering Collaborative Research & Education (ECoRE) building in summer 2024 which provides extensive research labs (including an indoor flight facility), dedicated fourth-year student capstone design space, and innovative classrooms. The department also maintains the Penn State UAS Research Lab (PURL) at the University Park airport, with extensive infrastructure for flight testing at nearby test sites and airfields.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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