Associate/Full Professor/Chair-Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

Texas Southern University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 133,593 - 193,095; Full time

Job summary

Texas Southern University invites applications for Associate/Full Professor/Chair of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. The Chair will lead the new department, oversee administration, teaching, and research, and secure funding and accreditations.

The position requires a Ph.D., a strong research record with external funding, and leadership experience. It offers a market-range salary and a path to tenure and departmental growth within the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.

Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Distinguished record of internationally recognized research with external funding (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoD).
• At least 6 years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in an engineering department.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Eligible for immediate appointment with tenure (Associate/Full Professor).
• Leadership experience such as Department Chair/Associate Chair preferred.
• Knowledge of ABET accreditation standards and continuous program improvement.

Responsibilities

• Assume administrative and academic functions of the department, manage course assignments and enrollment, oversee budget, and advise students.
• Teach at undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Lead curriculum development, student recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Engage in active research and technology development; foster industry partnerships.
• Prepare reports in accordance with college procedures and maintain departmental records.
• Obtain/manage extracurricular grants and contracts with faculty collaboration.

Skills

ABET accreditation knowledge

Faculty leadership

Recruiting & mentoring

Curriculum development

Strategic planning

Strong communication

Budget management

Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Associate/Full Professor/Chair-Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

Hiring Range: $133,593.30 - $193,095.20

FTE: 1.0

Desired Start Date: 08/01/2026

Job Summary

Under the general guidance of the Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the Chair of the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering will be responsible for all the administrative and academic functions of the Department. The Department Chair teaches at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels, leads the faculty in continued curricular development, engages in and promotes active research and leads initiatives to build the academic program and to secure necessary funding and accreditations.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a senior administrative and academic leadership position requiring significant experience to build and establish a new Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering including recruiting new faculty to support two new BS engineering degree programs in aerospace and mechanical.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the administrative and academic functions of the department, manage course assignments and enrollment, oversee departmental budget, and conduct student advising.
• Teach at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Lead the faculty in continued curriculum development, student recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Engage in and promote active research and technology development and promote industrial partnerships or collaborations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
• Assume responsibility for the management and maintenance of all departmental records, and preparation of reports in accordance with college procedures.
• Obtain and/or manage existing extracurricular grants and contracts either independently or in collaboration with departmental faculty.

Qualifications

1. Education
   • Earned Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field (e.g., Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science) from an accredited institution.
   • Distinguished record of internationally recognized research, evidenced by high-impact peer-reviewed publications and a consistent history of securing external funding (e.g., NSF, NASA, DoD, or industry grants).
2. Required Experience
   • At least 6 years of experience as a tenure-track/tenured faculty member in an engineering department.
   • Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
   • Eligible for immediate appointment of Associate Professor/Full Professor with tenure.
3. Preferred Experience
   • Previous leadership roles such as Department Chair/Associate Chair, Program Director, or Center Director.
   • Demonstrated knowledge of ABET accreditation standards and the ability to lead the department through continuous improvement and reporting cycles.
   • Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
   • Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff, with a focus on career progression and conflict resolution.
4. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
   • Knowledge of ABET accreditation standards and capability to lead the department through continuous improvement and reporting cycles.
   • Basic office and financial processes and procedures.
   • Skill in recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff; problem-solving and decision-making; multitasking, time management; verbal and written communication.
   • Ability to assist the dean in supervising and directing the work activities of staff and provide overall direction and expectations.
   • Ability to maintain security or integrity of critical infrastructure, including communications systems, computer networks, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment systems.

Working/Environmental Conditions

• Routine office environment.
• Sitting or standing in one location for much of the time.
• Use of video display terminal.

UA EEO Statement

It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.