Open Rank Faculty-Space Structures and Manufacturing

Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in space structures and manufacturing, effective August 2027.

The candidate will build a robust scholarly portfolio in spacecraft structures, in-space manufacturing, and space systems engineering. We seek candidates with a strong record of research, teaching, and mentoring, who can contribute to Space@VT and VT MADE initiatives and collaborate across

Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering or closely related field by appointment time.
• Demonstrated scholarly research record with publications, conferences or externally funded work.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and mentoring students.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an externally funded research program.
• Teach courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students; contribute to curriculum development.

Skills

Space structures

In-space manufacturing

Additive manufacturing

Collaborative research

Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

High-performance computing

Experimental facilities

Job description

The Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a tenure-track faculty position in space structures and manufacturing at any rank effective August 2027. We seek candidates in areas relevant to space systems who will build and sustain a scholarly research and teaching portfolio on topics such as spacecraft structures; in-space manufacturing, assembly, servicing and repair; advanced manufacturing, resource utilization and additive manufacturing for space systems; lunar and planetary structures and habitats; structures for entry, descent and landing vehicles; and lightweight, deployable and/or high precision space structures. A new hire in this area will be encouraged to join Space@VT (https://www.space.vt.edu/), a college-level center engaged in research on all aspects of space science and systems. The new hire will also have opportunities to engage with VT MADE (https://made.vt.edu/new-home.html), Virginia Tech’s interdisciplinary initiative in advanced manufacturing, the broader advanced manufacturing community at Virginia Tech. The Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering hosts a collegial faculty team supported by world-class teaching, high-performance computing, and experimental research facilities. Our unique combination of Aerospace and Ocean perspectives allows our researchers to forge new paths and launch our graduates into careers that deepen our understanding, advance technological solutions, and successfully design complex systems that must persistently operate in unforgiving Aerospace and Ocean environments. Successful candidates will be responsible for developing a strong externally sponsored research program, teaching courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentoring students.

Applicants must hold an earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment. Applicants must have a demonstrated record of scholarly research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, externally funded research, or other relevant scholarly contributions; documented experience collaborating with researchers or professionals within or across disciplines; demonstrated participation in professional, university, or disciplinary service activities; and research experience that applies or integrates methods, concepts, or approaches across disciplinary areas to address complex technical or societal challenges. Successful applicants will be responsible for mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, teaching and developing courses, and developing a vibrant externally sponsored research program.