Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace (Tenure-rrack)

UT Tyler; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The University of Texas Permian Basin invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering with expertise in Aerospace Engineering to begin January 2027. The successful candidate will establish externally funded research programs and collaborate with industry and national labs, with a focus on aerospace topics.

Teaching will include rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, and aerodynamics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field awarded by December 2026.
• Experience in Grant writing.
• Teaching experience in education or industry.
• Proven history of collaboration with students, faculty and staff.
• Evidence of mentoring student research.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in astronautics such as rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics and aerodynamics, space systems engineering, and aerospace materials.
• Advise senior design projects and provide student mentoring.
• Participate in committees, recruitment, and service activities.
• Contribute to course and curriculum development with colleagues.

Skills

Grant writing

Teaching experience

Collaboration

Mentoring student research

Aerospace engineering expertise

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering - Aerospace (Tenure-rrack)

The University of Texas Permian Basin's College of Engineering & Sciences welcomes applications for the position of tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in Mechanical Engineering with expertise in the field of Aerospace Engineering to begin in January 2027.

Salary Range

Essential Functions

We are seeking a highly qualified and enthusiastic individual for the tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in mechanical engineering. The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded research program(s) with effective collaborations in their area of expertise with industry and national labs. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience and expertise in the area of Aerospace Engineering. Individuals with strong grant writing ability and proven research skills are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate should additionally have plans to involve undergraduate and graduate students in their research.

The primary teaching responsilbities include teaching courses in astronautics such as rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics and aerodynamics, space systems engineering, and aerospace materials. Additional teaching duties may involve teaching introductory engineering design courses for first- and second-year students, teaching foundational engineering courses that support multiple engineering programs, and advising senior design projects. Other responsibilities of this position include advising student organizations; serving on Department, College, and University committees; participation in student recruiting efforts; and other applicable duties as may be assigned.

• Official duties and responsibilities of a Tenure Track faculty members include teaching and service activities as assigned.
• Faculty are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses
• Face to face and or hybrid teaching interactions through a regular schedule of attendance on campus for a minimum of four days a week.
• Teach up to 18 credit hours per contract year
• Assist in collecting assessment data as outlined by the ABET and SACSCOC Program Coordinator
• Achieve appropriate student-learning outcomes in all courses taught
• Faculty are expected to employ sound pedagogical practices and use appropriate technology
• Student course evaluations are to be completed each course
• Abide by deadlines and processes for submitting grades
• Advise students and provide individual help to students during weekly office hours
• Participate in course/laboratory revisions and curriculum development as assigned
• Work with other faculty and staff to advance the program
• Attending department, college and university faculty meetings
• Attend convocations, commencement exercises, recruitment activities and community meetings.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field at the time of the candidate's start at UTPB. The degree must be awarded no later than December 2026.
• Experience in Grant writing
• Teaching experience in education or industry
• Proven history of collaboration with students, faculty and staff
• Evidence of mentoring student research

Preferred Qualifications

• College-level teaching, project based or lab teaching experience
• Ability to teach in all areas of the program
• Experience with students and academic mentoring
• Relevant industry and practical experience

Additional Information

From The Department

The College of Engineering and Science offers B.S in Civil, Chemical, computer, Electrical, Mechanical, and Petroleum Engineering as well as B.S in Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, and Mathematics and M..S in Computer Science and Geology. The Chemical, Electrical,, Mechanical ,and Petroleum Engineering Programs are ABET Accredited. The College is also home to the Texas Water and Energy Institute and the newly opened Advanced Manufacturing Center. The College is housed in a building that opened 2019, with excellent facilities for instructional and curricular activities and research and development.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of References
• Teaching Philosophy Statement
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation (Preferred)

Conditions of Employment

• The job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.
• Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.
• Once hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of the hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Applicants must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire. UTPB participates in e-Verify.
• Employees must be able and willing to travel and perform duties away from campus as necessary and must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.
• Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
• UT Permian Basin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Schedule

Generally, the normal work hours for the university are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 – 5:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm with a one-hour lunch. The individual holding this position may need to be available early morning, evening, and on weekends to meet the needs of the department. Faculty hours may differ based on class schedule and department need.

Standard Working Conditions

• Able to lift various materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Able to bend, crouch, and reach continuously.
• Physically able remain seated, frequently to continuously.
• Able to remain standing up to 15% of the time.
• Possesses dexterity abilities required to perform job duties including extensive keyboard work, operating office equipment, performing filing, and other job-related responsibilities that include extensive wrist and hand movement.
• Standard working conditions may differ depending on department and occupation.

University Benefits

• UT Permian Basin offers an excellent compensation package including heath, retirement, & fringe benefits for eligible employees.
• Coverage includes medical, prescriptions, life insurance, AD&D, and matching retirement provided by UTPB.
• You may also be eligible to add dental, vision, family coverage, & flex-spending accounts, additional retirement, and a few other coverages as options too.
• Fringe benefits include tuition reimbursement (after one year of service), wellness breaks, employee assistant program (EAP), and meal deals, among other perks and discounts!
• Our benefits package, along with an ample leave policy, make for a great total compensation package.

About the University

The University of Texas Permian Basin is located in Odessa, Texas. It was authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1969 and founded in 1973. The Permian Basin is one of the fastest-growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions of the country – full of industry, culture, and wide-open spaces. At the academic heart of this area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin – which every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders across the U.S.

As a regional, comprehensive institution, The University of Texas Permian Basin serves a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. Through excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service, the University cultivates engaged citizens and impacts lives while advancing the technology and public interests of West Texas.

Our vision is that the University of Texas Permian Basin will be an innovative, responsive university that thinks large and lives local. We will lead in advancing education, research, economic competitiveness, and cultural enrichment. Visit our social media sites below for more information.

Thank you for your consideration in today’s job market. We look forward to connecting with you more in the future.