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Aerospace Engineering Faculty (Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Professor of Practice)


Job Location:

Troy, MI - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 92000 - 106000
Posted: 10 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

Job Summary:

The Department of Mechanical Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a full-time Senior Lecturer or Professor of Practice in Aerospace Engineering. Areas of special interest include space vehicle design space navigation space structures and control space environments and human factors. We will also consider entry level candidates at the Lecturer level and candidates working in other areas of aerospace engineering that will bring additional dimensions to MANEs teaching mission. These appointments may be made for three to five years and are renewable contingent upon available funding enrollment satisfactory performance and the business needs of the School of Engineering.
The successful candidate must actively and meaningfully contribute to the core teaching mission of MANE and engage in department institute and professional service activities.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity science and technology together to address societys greatest cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry disciplined practice and hands-on application. Our strategic plan RPI Forward charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI.Explore the RPI Forward plan.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY RPI is home tofive schools 32 research centers three makerspaces an observatory one of the worlds fastest supercomputers and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program tuition remission and opportunities for career growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
  • Demonstrated professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related discipline.
  • Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
  • Strong written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.

Additional Qualifications by Rank:

  • Lecturer: Typically 25 years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
  • Senior Lecturer: Typically 510 years of teaching industry and/or research experience.
  • Professor of Practice: Significant industry leadership experience and a national or international reputation for excellence in the field; typically 1015 years of distinguished professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: space vehicle design space navigation space structures and control space environments human factors or other aerospace engineering specialties that complement and strengthen the departments curriculum.
  • Demonstrated excellence in teaching mentoring and student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
  • Experience developing and delivering innovative industry-relevant coursework.
  • Professional experience in the aerospace industry government laboratories research organizations or related sectors.
  • Evidence of leadership collaboration and service within academic professional or industry organizations.
  • For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates a record of sustained professional achievement and increasing levels of responsibility.
  • For Professor of Practice candidates recognized expertise with a national or international reputation for excellence and significant leadership accomplishments in the field.
  • Ability to contribute to the departments commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.

Minimum Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental and applied aerospace engineering principles.
  • Ability to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Strong oral written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to develop organize and deliver course materials in a clear and engaging manner.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty staff students and external partners.
  • Commitment to supporting student learning academic success and professional development.
  • Ability to contribute to departmental institute and professional service activities.
  • Proficiency with instructional technologies and learning management systems commonly used in higher education.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
  • For Professor of Practice candidates demonstrated leadership strategic thinking and the ability to translate professional expertise into impactful educational experiences.

Preferred Knowledge Skill and Abilities:

Areas of special interest include space vehicle design space navigation space structures and control space environments and human factors

Representative Job Duties:

  • Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines.
  • Develop update and deliver high-quality course materials laboratories and student learning experiences.
  • Advise mentor and support students in their academic and professional development.
  • Maintain regular office hours and provide timely feedback on student performance and progress.
  • Participate in curriculum development assessment and continuous improvement activities.
  • Contribute to the departments teaching mission through innovative instructional practices and experiential learning opportunities.
  • Engage in departmental school institute and professional service activities including committee participation and accreditation-related efforts as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with faculty staff industry partners and external stakeholders to enhance educational programs and student opportunities.
  • Maintain professional expertise and remain current with developments in aerospace engineering and engineering education.
  • Support recruitment retention and outreach initiatives for students and academic programs.
  • For Professor of Practice appointments leverage significant industry experience and professional networks to strengthen industry engagement student career readiness and program visibility.

Shift:

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Travel:

No travel

Driving:

No Driving

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range:

  • Lecturer: $80000 $95000 per 9-month academic year
  • Senior Lecturer: $92000 $106000 per 9-month academic year
  • Professor of Practice: $96000 $140000 per 9-month academic year

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidates salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget internal equity and the final candidates qualifications experience education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaers good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process please contact

Job Posted Date:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaers Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth a comprehensive and affordable benefits package and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information please visitBenefits Human Resources ().

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming inclusive and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institutes work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Instituteis an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation or gender identity national origin disability status protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.


Required Experience:

Senior IC


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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s first technological research university. Founded in 1824, our university has been leading scientific and technological advances for nearly 200 years and we’re just getting started. With 450+ dedicated full-time faculty members, including 2 ... View more

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