Assistant or Associate Professor, Space Systems Design

The successful candidate: 1) must hold undergraduate and doctoral degrees in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or related field; 2) must be registered or eligible for registration as a professional engineer with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba; 3) must possess excellent communication and leadership skills; 4) preferably has postdoctoral/industry experience and publications in reputable journals and patents.

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to: 1) teach mechanical engineering courses, including in the aerospace stream and option, especially in the areas of space systems engineering, and/or aerospace manufacturing, at the undergraduate and graduate levels; 2) establish an externally funded and sustainable research program; 3) provide professional service to the Department, the Faculty, the University and the community.

The successful candidate will be expected to initiate and lead an outstanding, diverse, independent, innovative, externally funded research program of international caliber. We are particularly interested in a candidate who has a demonstrated record of excellence in research and publication in at least one of the following areas: space systems design; constellation development, validation, and operations; orbital dynamics; and space data collection; with an emphasis on dual-use aerospace technologies (in any of the traditional space subsystems including structure, guidance, control, thermal, avionics, or advanced manufacturing for space systems). Particular attention will be given to candidates demonstrating research applications related to Arctic remote sensing, defence, and community resilience. The successful candidate is expected to complement existing expertise in the Department, particularly, in research areas related to space systems design.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a research-intensive department that is comprised of 25 academic staff, 16 support staff and over 30 postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars and adjunct professors. It offers an accredited undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering with over 500 students. The Department has a strong graduate teaching and research program with over 120 graduate students in its PhD, MSc, and MEng programs. It maintains funded research activities with industrial partners and government research laboratories. Additional information can be found at our website: https://umanitoba.ca/engineering/mechanical

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery, and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff, and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything. For more information, please see: https://umanitoba.ca/about-um.

Applicants are requested to submit the following materials via UM Careers as a single PDF file (in the Cover Letter section of the application portal), by the application deadline of November 30, 2026. Application materials will be shared with the members of the search committee. The complete application package must include:

1. Cover letter with a concise summary of qualifications and a personal statement of suitability for the position,
2. Complete curriculum vitae,
3. Research statement highlighting the applicant’s most significant contributions and connecting these to the applicant’s vision of success in the short-term, medium-term (~5 years) and long-term (career),
4. A sample of three peer-reviewed publications,
5. Statement of teaching philosophy and interests that documents the applicant’s experience in, and approach to, training and mentoring diverse students,
6. Statement describing past, present, or planned actions to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and reconciliation in the academic community, and
7. Names and contact information of three (3) referees.

Review of applications will commence December 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The earliest anticipated start-date for the successful applicant is July 1, 2027.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that application materials may be provided to participating members of the search process.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

For more information on this and other opportunities, please visit: https://umanitoba.ca/careers/