University of Central Florida
Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, us, 32885
The Opportunity
As a national and world leader in space, aerospace, and hypersonics, the University of Central Florida (UCF) has established a center of excellence on this topic and is working to strengthen its research and education mission in this area.
As a part of this broad, university-wide strategic plan, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) invites applicants for multiple 9‑month, full-time faculty positions at the rank of assistant professor (tenure‑earning), or associate professor (tenured). Candidates with a strong background in hypersonics and space systems are highly encouraged to apply.
Additive and Advanced Manufacturing for Hypersonics and Space
Cryogenic and Supercritical Propellant Systems Design, Analysis and Testing
Laser Diagnostics and Sensors in Hypersonic and Extreme Environments
Mathematical Foundations of AI, Uncertainty Quantification, and Reduced Order Modeling for Hypersonics and Space
or any related areas of research in the broader fields of hypersonics and space.
These positions have an anticipated start date of August 8, 2026. Each of these hires will strengthen UCF and MAE, and may include a combination of joint and/or secondary appointments. Both individual/interdisciplinary infrastructure and startup support will be provided with these new positions. The positions will carry a rank commensurate with the candidate's experience and record.
Each successful candidate will work at the intersection of the relevant research areas associated with the aforementioned themes. They will have research impact, as reflected in high‑quality publications and the ability to build a funded and sustainable research program. We are looking for team players who can contribute to current campus efforts in hypersonics and space research.
Minimum Qualifications Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in an area appropriate to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Applied Mathematics at the time of appointment. Each selected candidate also must have a record of scholarly publications or sponsored research related to hypersonics.
To be eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of research, teaching, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at that rank.
Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate should demonstrate a sustained record of external research funding in hypersonics and space, as well as experience leading large, multidisciplinary proposal teams. Evidence of research productivity through publications in reputable, peer‑reviewed venues is expected. Additional qualifications include experience mentoring students, a history of collaborative research, and strong proficiency in written and oral English communication. Candidates must also present a clearly articulated and focused research plan that supports collaborative and transformative work in hypersonics and space.
Additional Application Materials Required
A curriculum vitae.
A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.
A 3‑4 page research statement
A 1‑2 page teaching statement
NOTE : Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. 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.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to the committee at HypersonicsSearch@ucf.edu.
Special Instructions to the Applicants Sponsorship for employment‑based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
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.
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.
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 1 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 onac@ucf.edu.
For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As a part of this broad, university-wide strategic plan, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) invites applicants for multiple 9‑month, full-time faculty positions at the rank of assistant professor (tenure‑earning), or associate professor (tenured). Candidates with a strong background in hypersonics and space systems are highly encouraged to apply.
Additive and Advanced Manufacturing for Hypersonics and Space
Cryogenic and Supercritical Propellant Systems Design, Analysis and Testing
Laser Diagnostics and Sensors in Hypersonic and Extreme Environments
Mathematical Foundations of AI, Uncertainty Quantification, and Reduced Order Modeling for Hypersonics and Space
or any related areas of research in the broader fields of hypersonics and space.
These positions have an anticipated start date of August 8, 2026. Each of these hires will strengthen UCF and MAE, and may include a combination of joint and/or secondary appointments. Both individual/interdisciplinary infrastructure and startup support will be provided with these new positions. The positions will carry a rank commensurate with the candidate's experience and record.
Each successful candidate will work at the intersection of the relevant research areas associated with the aforementioned themes. They will have research impact, as reflected in high‑quality publications and the ability to build a funded and sustainable research program. We are looking for team players who can contribute to current campus efforts in hypersonics and space research.
Minimum Qualifications Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in an area appropriate to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Applied Mathematics at the time of appointment. Each selected candidate also must have a record of scholarly publications or sponsored research related to hypersonics.
To be eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of research, teaching, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at that rank.
Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate should demonstrate a sustained record of external research funding in hypersonics and space, as well as experience leading large, multidisciplinary proposal teams. Evidence of research productivity through publications in reputable, peer‑reviewed venues is expected. Additional qualifications include experience mentoring students, a history of collaborative research, and strong proficiency in written and oral English communication. Candidates must also present a clearly articulated and focused research plan that supports collaborative and transformative work in hypersonics and space.
Additional Application Materials Required
A curriculum vitae.
A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.
A 3‑4 page research statement
A 1‑2 page teaching statement
NOTE : Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. 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.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to the committee at HypersonicsSearch@ucf.edu.
Special Instructions to the Applicants Sponsorship for employment‑based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.
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.
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.
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 1 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 onac@ucf.edu.
For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr