Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Hypersonics and Space

The Opportunity

As a national and world leader in space, aerospace, and hypersonics, the University of Central Florida (UCF) has established a center of excellence on this topic and is working to strengthen its research and education mission in this area.

As a part of this broad, university-wide strategic plan, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) invites applicants for multiple 9-month, full-time faculty positions at the rank of assistant professor (tenure-earning), or associate professor (tenured). Candidates with a strong background in hypersonics and space systems are highly encouraged to apply. Technical fields of interest include, but are not limited to:

(1) Additive and Advanced Manufacturing for Hypersonics and Space,

(2) Cryogenic and Supercritical Propellant Systems Design, Analysis and Testing,

(3) Laser Diagnostics and Sensors in Hypersonic and Extreme Environments,

(4) Mathematical Foundations of AI, Uncertainty Quantification, and Reduced Order Modeling for Hypersonics and Space,

or any related areas of research in the broader fields of hypersonics and space.

These positions have an anticipated start date of August 8, 2026. Each of these hires will strengthen UCF and MAE, and may include a combination of joint and/or secondary appointments. Both individual/interdisciplinary infrastructure and startup support will be provided with these new positions. The positions will carry a rank commensurate with the candidate’s experience and record.

Each successful candidate will work at the intersection of the relevant research areas associated with the aforementioned themes. They will have research impact, as reflected in high-quality publications and the ability to build a funded and sustainable research program. We are looking for team players who can contribute to current campus efforts in hypersonics and space research.

Central Florida has long been the center of space activities. With NASA Kennedy Space Center less than an hour from Orlando, several well-known companies such as Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi Power, and Lockheed Martin have their major headquarters in Orlando. Others such as Pratt & Whitney (Raytheon), Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, and SpaceX have their headquarters within easily drivable distances. All these companies share the same talent pools available in this region. UCF’s Orlando location also puts it at the center of the Florida High Tech Corridor. The corridor has an excellent industrial base that includes software, defense, space, simulation and training, and a world-renowned entertainment industry. Adjacent to UCF is a thriving research park that conducts over $2 billion in funded research, hosting more than 100 high-tech companies and UCF’s School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training.  In response to this unique locational opportunity, The Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER) was founded to focus on student training and research on turbomachinery and associated energy systems for application in power generation, aviation, and space propulsion. CATER has 9 core faculty members at present, with a staff of 5 research faculty, 15 postdoctoral researchers, and 97 doctoral students. It collectively secured $20.3M of new external funding in FY 24-25 and graduates 13 doctoral students per year on average.

The successful candidates would be part of the UCF HYPERSPACE Center (www.cecs.ucf.edu/HYPERSPACE), a Center of Excellence (COE) for Hypersonics and Space Propulsion at the University of Central Florida. The motivation of the center is Speed and Space with the goal of achieving ultra-high-speed flight through our atmosphere, and efficient planetary entry and exit, making space exploration and intercontinental travel as routine as intercity travel is today. The center is a national and world leading center in hypersonic and space propulsion, modeling, aerodynamics, laser diagnostics/sensors, extreme environment materials, and additive/advanced manufacturing with Government and Industry funding. The center is a hub for world-class hypersonic wind tunnels and facilities, advanced hypersonic research, training and education, technology development and innovation.

UCF is one of the nation’s largest universities with a diverse student body of approximately 70,000 students and has grown substantially in size, quality, diversity, and reputation. Today, the university offers more than 240 degree programs. In 2019, UCF was officially recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, and a "Green College" by the Princeton Review for our efforts in sustainability and environmental responsibility. The Carnegie Foundation classifies UCF as an R1 Doctoral University for its very high research activity and community engagement. For the fifth consecutive year, UCF has been recognized among the nation’s most innovative universities according to U.S. News & World Report, while Kiplinger’s and The Princeton Review have ranked UCF as one of the nation’s best values for a college education. UCF has been the #1 supplier of aerospace and defense engineers seven years in a row as published by Aviation Week.

UCF is an economic engine, attracting and supporting industries vital to the region’s future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation. UCF also has an accredited medical school that was established in 2006 and is a neighbor to the Orlando VA Medical Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center. Great weather, easy access to the seashore, one of the largest convention centers in the nation, and one of the world’s best airports are just a few features that make Orlando an ideal location. We encourage you to learn more about UCF at http://www.ucf.edu/faculty.

Minimum Qualifications:

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in an area appropriate to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or Applied Mathematics at the time of appointment. Each selected candidate also must have a record of scholarly publications or sponsored research related to hypersonics.

To be eligible for appointment as a tenured associate professor upon hire, the selected candidate must have a demonstrated record of research, teaching, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at that rank.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a sustained record of external research funding in hypersonics and space, as well as experience leading large, multidisciplinary proposal teams. Evidence of research productivity through publications in reputable, peer-reviewed venues is expected. Additional qualifications include experience mentoring students, a history of collaborative research, and strong proficiency in written and oral English communication. Candidates must also present a clearly articulated and focused research plan that supports collaborative and transformative work in hypersonics and space.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.

• A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.

• A 3-4 page research statement

• A 1-2 page teaching statement

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to the committee at HypersonicsSearch@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Sponsorship for employment-based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Job Close Date:

Open until filled

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 
• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options. 
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 
• Education assistance.
• Flexible work environment. 
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.