Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems

University of Central Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement savings options

Employee discounts

Education assistance

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A public research university in Orlando seeks an assistant or associate professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in energy systems and a doctoral degree. This role involves establishing an independent research program, contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations, and mentoring students and peers. With expected start in August 2026, the position emphasizes skill in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics among other qualifications. Generous benefits and flexible work environment are provided.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or equivalent from an accredited institution required.
• Demonstrated record of high-impact research in energy systems.
• Teaching, research, and service record necessary for tenure.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent, externally funded research program.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Mentorship and engagement with industry is expected.
• Collaborate across disciplines and participate in teaching and service.

Skills

Fluid mechanics

Thermodynamics

Heat and mass transfer

Energy systems engineering

Computational tools (CFD, FEA)

Education

Earned doctoral degree in relevant field

Tools

CFD software

FEA software

System-level modeling

Job description

The Opportunity

University of Central Florida (UCF) has established several interdisciplinary faculty research clusters to strengthen its academic offerings and research mission. In support of this effort, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) invites applicants for a 9-month, full-time assistant professor (tenure track) or associate professor (tenured) faculty position, with core faculty status in the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER). This position has an anticipated start date of August 8, 2026.

Interdisciplinary Position

This position is expected to strengthen both CATER and MAE and may include a combination of joint appointments. A strong advantage is the candidate’s ability to choose multiple units for a joint appointment at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the College of Sciences, or both.

Research Focus

All candidates whose research is at the forefront of energy systems, resilience, and sustainability will be considered. We seek candidates with a strong foundation in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, and energy systems engineering, and a demonstrated research record in electric power generation and/or energy storage.

The technical fields of specific research interest for the position are limited to the following areas:

• Advanced Chemical Energy Carriers – production and storage, particularly chemicals such as ammonia, methanol, or hydrogen, derived from primary energy sources (e.g., nuclear energy, hydrocarbon feedstock, or electricity through chemical pathways).
• Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems, including small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, molten salt reactors, liquid metal reactors, and high‑temperature gas‑cooled reactors.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to establish an independent research program focused on fundamental engineering principles and to demonstrate system‑level and application‑wide knowledge in at least one of the two research areas above. Some specific topics include, but are not limited to, rotordynamics for high‑speed rotor systems for supercritical CO₂ power cycles, molten salt corrosion in next‑generation nuclear systems, or flow reactors with optimal catalyst loading that would support ammonia production or cracking, etc.

Responsibilities & Expectations

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to lead an independent, externally funded research program and contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations. A strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, mentorship, and engagement with industry, national laboratories, or large‑scale research initiatives is highly desirable. Experience with computational tools (e.g., CFD, FEA, system‑level modeling) and/or experimental platforms for energy systems is expected.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned doctoral degree or foreign degree equivalent from an accredited institution, in an area appropriate to CATER and MAE at the time of appointment. The selected candidate must also have a record of high‑impact research related to energy systems, demonstrated by a strong scholarly and/or funding record.
• In order to obtain tenure upon hire as an associate professor, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with rank in the tenure home department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Past work experiences in a national laboratory and/or industry are desired.
• A history of working with teams, especially teams that span multiple disciplines, is a highly preferred qualification.
• Prior work experience with one of the two applications mentioned earlier is highly preferred.

Additional Application Materials Required

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Special Instructions To The Applicants

On March 10 2026, UCF received clarification that the current State moratorium on H 1B visas applies not only to new sponsorships but also to H 1B transfers into the institution. This means we are unable to process transfers for individuals currently holding H 1B status with other employers. UCF will share updates as soon as State guidance changes or additional details become available.

Job Close Date

Open until filled

Note to Applicants

Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next‑generation public research university and Forbes‑ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off, including annual (12‑month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment.
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements Related to Research Positions

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research‑related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least one year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela. The additional screening requirements only apply to research‑related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post‑doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) – Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

Negotiable

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke‑free campus and an E‑Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407‑823‑1336 or email [e-mail].

For general application or posting questions, please email [e-mail].