Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Description
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is seeking exceptionally qualified candidates to fill two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) at Tullahoma. To complement existing research capabilities and support key university research initiatives, these positions are expected to align with one of the following research concentrations:
1. Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics - Particular areas of interest include but are not limited to the development of state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques for characterizing hypersonic flows and validating CFD tools, characterization of aero-optical phenomena related to hypersonic systems, hypersonic ground testing at high-enthalpy conditions, fluid-structure interactions, characterization of relevant kinetic reaction rates, and experimental capabilities pertaining to hypersonic air breathing propulsion.
2. High-Temperature Materials with Hypersonic Applications - Areas of interest include but are not limited to experimental characterization and development of high-temperature materials for use in hypersonic thermal protection systems (TPS) (e.g., mechanical strength, thermal properties, ablative properties, etc.), modeling and simulation of TPS material performance, reactivity, and degradation in the hypersonic flow environment, and novel techniques associated with the synthesis and manufacturing of high-temperature materials and coatings with TPS applications.
Because a significant portion of the funds available for hypersonic aerospace systems is regulated under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)/EAR, the successful candidate is expected to either currently be able to work in an environment conforming to ITAR requirements or working to meet necessary requirements within these regulations in the near future. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to growing the UT Aerospace & Defense portfolio, be capable of engaging with government and industry in research areas beyond basic science and contribute in meaningful ways to the goals of the University. Furthermore, as tenure-track faculty, the successful candidate will support course development and instruction inside the MAE department, advise graduate students, and develop a healthy research program supported by external funding from research grants.
About the College
The Tickle College of Engineering is in the midst of an unprecedented period of growth and success including adding over 30 new faculty as part of ambitious cluster hiring campaigns led by Chancellor Donde Plowman and Dean Matthew Mench. The college has set records in research expenditures, enrollment, incoming student GPA, intellectual property development, and USNWR rank in the past three years. New facilities include the state-of-the art Zeanah Engineering Complex, the University of Tennessee Manufacturing and Design Enterprise (TN-MADE) facility, and the Innovation South building now under construction that will house UTK's Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF). TCE currently has 185 Tenure/Tenure Track and 67 Non-Tenure Track faculty in its seven academic departments and offers 12 undergraduate, 16 MS, and 15 PhD degree programs. Affiliated with TCE and located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, the UT Space Institute is a growing hub of aerospace and defense research. The college is also home to eight research centers and three interdisciplinary institutes. With approximately 3,800 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students, the college sits 29th among public universities in the most recent U.S. News and World Report graduate rankings. Faculty in the college have won 21 early career awards (NSF, DOE, DARPA, AFOSR, and ARO) since 2016. In FY22, the college had NSF HERD research expenditures of $109 million.
About UTSI
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Space Institute at Tullahoma (UTSI) is a unique research institute housed within the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Tickle College of Engineering. All tenure track faculty in residence at UTSI are appointed through relevant departments at UTK. The institute itself is located in Tullahoma, TN, which is approximately 1-hour south of downtown Nashville, TN and strategically located in proximity to Arnold Air Force Base and near Huntsville, AL (located ~1 hour south of UTSI), allowing faculty and researchers to directly engage with industrial and government partners to facilitate solutions to modern engineering challenges.
UTSI has growing capabilities to support experimental and computational work in hypersonic flows, air-breathing and rocket-based propulsion, and more. The institute is home to several high-speed wind tunnels used for aerodynamic testing, including large scale Mach 4 and Mach 7 tunnels, and was awarded $18 million in 2024 to construct high-enthalpy testing capabilities to support material testing and qualification in extreme environments relevant to hypersonic flight. Additionally, UTSI is uniquely staffed with research support personnel who assist faculty research projects, including full machining and welding capabilities, and facilitate execution of funded research that include engineering design aspects as part of addressing scientific questions. UTSI faculty may also leverage extensive resources at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the main campus in Knoxville.
Qualifications
Successful candidates should have demonstrable experience related to one of the above concentrations by means of scientific publications, industry or government experience, or academic preparation. Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related engineering discipline by the start of the appointment.
Application Instructions
Review of applications will begin December 5, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date of the new positions is August 1, 2026. Salary is commensurate with the position and experience of the applicant. Applications must include:
(1) A concise letter of intent expressing the applicant's interest and qualifications, along with summarized research and teaching goals.
(2) A comprehensive professional curriculum vitae (CV).
(3) Statements regarding: (a) previous and current research endeavors along with a research vision statement related to the sought position, and (b) teaching interests, approach, and philosophy.
(4) The names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least four references to apply.interfolio.com/174538