Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering – Aerospace - 9 Month

Uasys; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Aerospace with an anticipated start date of August 2027.

The department seeks candidates with a strong background in Aerospace Engineering and focus areas including Autonomous Systems, Hypersonics, In-space Power & Propulsion, and related topics. Ph.D. by Aug 2027 is required; in-person teaching and collaboration across disciplines are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mechanical Engineering or a closely related field by the start of employment.
• Demonstrated potential for high-quality research and publications.
• Demonstrated engagement in collaborative research.
• Demonstrated experience in pursuit and receipt of competitive research funding.
• Experience in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Engage in high-quality research and secure competitive funding.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with ITAR-restricted research.
• Provide service to the department, university and profession.
• Maintain office hours, student advising, and participate in committee meetings.

Skills

Excellent written and oral comms

ITAR research ability

Collaborative research

Education

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or closely related field

Job description

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Closing Date:

11/02/2026

Type of Position:

Faculty - Tenure/Tenure Track

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Mechanical Engineering

Department's Website:

https://engineering.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Arkansas invites applications for outstanding candidates to fill a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor position of Aerospace with an anticipated start date of August 2027.

The department is seeking candidates with a strong background in Aerospace Engineering with focus areas in Autonomous Systems, Hypersonics, In-space Power & Propulsion, Interplanetary Spacecraft Mission & Technology, Multifunctional/Smart Material and Structure, Plasma Physics, and/or other aerospace topics of emergent relevance. Both experimental and computational specialists with the ability to work on ITAR-restricted research are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (or earned by August 2027) in mechanical engineering or a very closely related field. Applicants should demonstrate potential for high-quality research, securing competitive research funding, generating high-quality publications, teaching a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, and providing appropriate service to the department, university, and profession. Successful candidates will demonstrate collaborative and interdisciplinary synergy with existing research strengths on-campus and have excellent communication skills.

This is an in- person position. Most university classes are offered face-to-face, and extensive in- person engagement in such activities as office hours, student advising, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings is essential to advancing student success and departmental effectiveness.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education, conferred by the start of employment
• Demonstrated research and/or industry experience in areas directly relevant to the search focus areas of Autonomous Systems, Hypersonics, In-space Power & Propulsion, Interplanetary Spacecraft Mission & Technology, Multifunctional/Smart Material & Structure, Plasma Physics, and/or other aerospace topics of emergent relevance
• Demonstrated potential for high-quality research and publications
• Demonstrated engagement in collaborative research

Preferred Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in pursuit and receipt of competitive research funding
• Experience in teaching and/or teaching support for undergraduate and graduate courses

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work on ITAR-restricted research

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Statement of Research Philosophy, Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Melynda Hart, Operations Manager, [e-mail]

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes