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