Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of South Florida invites applications for tenured/tenure-track faculty positions in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. While outstanding candidates from all areas of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are encouraged to apply, particular consideration will be given to applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas: (1) Computational Supersonic and Hypersonic Flows, (2) AI, Autonomy, and Robotics, (3) Drones and Urban Air Mobility, (4) Advanced Manufacturing, (5) Aerospace Materials, and (6) Energy Systems. Applicants specializing in materials science without a clear, strong connection to aerospace applications are discouraged from applying.

Successful applicants may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level and are expected to begin in the Fall 2026 semester. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. Candidates should have demonstrated excellence in scholarly research and publications, the potential for sustaining an externally funded research program, and a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Exceptional applicants with a sustained record of externally funded research, outstanding scholarly work and publications, demonstrated excellence in teaching, and international recognition of their work will be considered for the rank of Associate or Full Professor. 

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.