Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Florida Institute of Technology

Department: Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences (APSS)
Program: Aerospace Engineering
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Tenure Track
Start Date: August 2026

Position Summary

Florida Tech invites applications for a full-time non-tenure track Assistant Professor position in Aerospace Engineering. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and graduate levels and contribute through service to the institution and profession.

Teaching Load: Minimum of three courses per semester and advising students.

Qualifications

  • Required: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field

  • Preferred: Strong background in aerospace engineering areas such as:

    • Aerodynamics

    • Structures

    • Propulsion

    • Aircraft flight mechanics

  • Experience or interest in laboratory instruction, such as experimental fluid mechanics, is highly valued

Department & Research Environment

  • APSS Department has 34 faculty members across aerospace engineering, physics, astrophysics, astronomy, astrobiology, and planetary sciences

  • Aerospace Engineering program serves ~500 undergraduates and 70 graduate students

  • Research strengths include:

    • Space vehicle dynamics & control

    • Intelligent machines and autonomous aerospace systems

    • Mechanics of advanced composites and cellular structures

    • Composite structural health monitoring

    • High-fidelity numerical flow simulations

    • Modeling of advanced energetic materials for solid propellants

  • Recent investment of over $14 million in labs and research infrastructure, including:

    • Composites manufacturing and testing facilities

    • Materials characterization equipment (SEM, TEM, AFM, micro-CT)

    • Spacecraft manufacturing labs (ISO6 clean rooms, thermal vacuum, vibration shaker, satellite ADCS test stand)

More information: APSS Department

University Information

  • Florida Tech is a private, research-intensive university with ~9,200 students and 424 faculty members

  • Offers over 200 degrees and certificate programs

  • Ranked Top 100 Best Value University (U.S. News & World Report)

  • Campus located on 130 acres in Melbourne, FL, near Melbourne Airport, beaches, NASA Kennedy Space Center, and Orlando

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted via Florida Tech Employment

  • Required materials (single PDF):

    1. Cover Letter

    2. Curriculum Vitae

    3. Statement of Teaching Experience and Philosophy

    4. Contact Information for at least three references

  • Position remains open until filled

Contact for inquiries:
Dr. Donald Platt, Department Head
Email: dplatt@fit.edu

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

  • Florida Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer (race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, veteran status, etc.)

  • Title IX compliance: No discrimination based on sex

  • Reasonable accommodations for disabilities available through the Office of Human Resources (321-674-8100, notify 5 days in advance)

Additional Information:

  • Annual Security & Fire Safety Report: 2025 Report

  • Official transcripts required prior to first day of employment

  • International degrees require NACES evaluation

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