Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering

Florida Institute of Technology

Institution: Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)
Department: Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences (APSS)
Location: Melbourne, Florida, USA
Start Date: August 2026
Application Deadline for Full Consideration: January 15, 2026
Application Portal: Florida Tech Employment

Position Overview

The Department of Aerospace, Physics, and Space Sciences (APSS) at Florida Tech invites applications for multiple full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in the Aerospace Engineering program.

Successful candidates will:

• Demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence at undergraduate and graduate levels
• Develop a nationally recognized, externally funded research program
• Contribute to the institution and profession through service

Qualifications

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

Research areas of interest:

1. Aerospace Composite Structures
2. Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics
3. Space Instrumentation
4. Digital Engineering of Aerospace Systems

Both theoretical and experimental backgrounds are suitable. Exceptional candidates in other areas of aerospace engineering will also be considered.

Department and Research Facilities

APSS has 34 faculty members and serves over 800 students (500 undergraduates, 70 graduates in Aerospace Engineering).

Recent research infrastructure investments exceed $14 million, including:

• Composites manufacturing and testing (autoclave, multi-axial load frame, ultrasonic C-scan)
• Materials characterization (SEM, TEM, AFM, micro-CT scanner)
• Spacecraft manufacturing and testing (ISO6 clean rooms, thermal vacuum chambers, vibration shaker, ADCS test stand)

Current research strengths: space vehicle dynamics & control, intelligent autonomous systems, advanced composite mechanics, structural health monitoring, high-fidelity flow simulations, energetic materials.

APSS Department Info

Institution Overview

Florida Tech is a national, private, doctoral-granting, research-intensive university.

Offers 200+ degree programs across four colleges: Aeronautics, Business, Engineering & Science, Psychology & Liberal Arts.

Enrollment: ~9,200 students; Faculty: 424.

Notable alumni include five space shuttle astronauts and the first female four-star general in U.S. military history.

Campus: 130 subtropical acres on Florida’s "Space Coast," near Melbourne Airport, beaches, and NASA Kennedy Space Center.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a single PDF including:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of research experience and interests
4. Statement of teaching experience and philosophy
5. Contact information for at least three references

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will receive full consideration, but the position will remain open until filled.

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

Additional Requirements

• Official transcripts of all collegiate work must be sent directly to Human Resources.
• International degrees must include course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-affiliated company.

Equal Opportunity & Compliance

Florida Tech is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

Compliance with Title IX, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Clery Act for campus safety.

E-Verify employer.

Apply