Assistant/Associate Professor (Aerospace Engineering)

LOCATION:

United States Naval Academy, Aerospace Engineering Department

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.  

ABOUT THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY:

The United States Naval Academy is a unique institution of higher learning located in Annapolis, Maryland.  As a service academy and premier undergraduate college, the United States Naval Academy has its own distinctive niche amongst American higher education institutions. Our talented faculty and staff are united by a common purpose--to develop the next generation of officers to be exceptional leaders in our naval service.

The United States Naval Academy is committed to building a diverse workforce of faculty and staff who provide a multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach to student learning and leadership development.  We believe that individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives strengthen our programs and positively impact student success. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for consideration.

Every year more than one million people tour "the Yard" to experience what our employees already know — the United States Naval Academy is a special place, with a special purpose. Employees will find challenging and rewarding work; state-of-the-art facilities which inspire academic and athletic excellence; the benefits of Federal employment; and exceptional quality-of-life.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Aerospace Engineering Department invites applications for one tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin as early as the summer of 2024.  Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor (non-tenured) will only be considered for an exceptional candidate with experiences in aerospace vehicle design. The faculty and staff of the department are a mixture of military officers and civilians from many backgrounds, who fulfill essential roles in the Academy's mission as engineering educators, mentors, and role models. Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  

The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. All students in the ABET-accredited Aerospace Engineering program complete introductory courses in aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics before choosing a  specialty track in Aeronautics or Astronautics. Aeronautics Track students further choose to concentrate on fixed wing flight or  vertical lift flight. This position is for teaching courses primarily in the Aeronautics Track or in the foundational courses taken on both tracks. Candidates should be strongly committed to undergraduate teaching, advising, and mentoring a diverse student population; producing high-quality, peer-reviewed research; and service to the institution and their professional communities. For more information about the Aerospace Engineering Department and major, please visit https://www.usna.edu/AeroDept/index.php

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach a broad range of undergraduate courses in Aerospace Engineering, with emphasis on courses in aerospace structures and materials, airbreathing propulsion, or aerospace vehicle design. Specific areas of interest are itemized below as part of the preferred qualifications. The usual teaching load for tenure-track faculty is 9 to 12 contact hours per semester with small section sizes (10 to 25 students) and three to four courses per year.  
• Plan, perform, present, and publish peer-reviewed research.  
• Provide academic advising and mentoring for students in the Aerospace Engineering major.  
• Conduct service activities at the department, School of Engineering & Weapons, and institutional level commensurate with  experience

This is an onsite, 10-month compensation, excepted service federal faculty position with a 3-year renewable appointment, a highly competitive salary, and full federal benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or closely related discipline (Anticipated completion of Ph.D. no later than June 2024 is acceptable)

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Expertise in structural mechanics and materials, airbreathing propulsion, or aerospace vehicle design will be highly desirable. Any of the following aerospace vehicle related areas will also merit consideration: i) structural design,  manufacturing, and testing, ii) composite structures and materials, iii) additive manufacturing, iv) adaptive structures, v)  multi-disciplinary analysis and design, vi) gas turbine engines, and vii) high speed airbreathing propulsion.

HOW TO APPLY FOR POSITION:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, teaching and research statements, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references that, when combined, can meaningfully address the candidate’s readiness to teach, conduct research, and serve collegially to the Chair of the Aerospace Engineering Department Faculty Search Committee at aero-search-2024-group@usna.edu. In the teaching or research statements as appropriate, candidates should describe their experiences and approach to working with students from diverse backgrounds, as doing so is integral to success as an educator at USNA.  Additionally, in the research statements candidates should describe their experiences and approach to involving undergraduate students in research activities.   

Please note: Applications will be reviewed beginning November 1st, 2023 but the position will remain open until filled.  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• This is an on-site position.  Physical attendance at USNA is required.
• All Civilian Excepted Service/Faculty Positions at USNA are subject to a background investigation. The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination.  More information about the background investigation process can be found at the Academic Dean and Provost’s website here http://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Background-Investigation-Info.php. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The U.S. Naval Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer