Job Summary:

 The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites applications for a full-time Senior Lecturer or Professor of Practice in Aerospace Engineering. Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors. We will also consider entry level candidates at the Lecturer level and candidates working in other areas of aerospace engineering that will bring additional dimensions to MANE’s teaching mission. These appointments may be made for three to five years, and are renewable, contingent upon available funding, enrollment, satisfactory performance, and the business needs of the School of Engineering.
The successful candidate must actively and meaningfully contribute to the core teaching mission of MANE, and engage in department, institute, and professional service activities.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated professional experience in aerospace engineering or a related discipline.
• Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and/or graduate-level aerospace engineering courses.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment.

Additional Qualifications by Rank:

• Lecturer: Typically 2–5+ years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience.
• Senior Lecturer: Typically 5–10+ years of teaching, industry, and/or research experience.
• Professor of Practice: Significant industry leadership experience and a national or international reputation for excellence in the field; typically 10–15+ years of distinguished professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, human factors, or other aerospace engineering specialties that complement and strengthen the department's curriculum.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and student engagement at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Experience developing and delivering innovative, industry-relevant coursework.
• Professional experience in the aerospace industry, government laboratories, research organizations, or related sectors.
• Evidence of leadership, collaboration, and service within academic, professional, or industry organizations.
• For Senior Lecturer and Professor of Practice candidates, a record of sustained professional achievement and increasing levels of responsibility.
• For Professor of Practice candidates, recognized expertise with a national or international reputation for excellence and significant leadership accomplishments in the field.
• Ability to contribute to the department's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and student success.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental and applied aerospace engineering principles.
• Ability to effectively teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to develop, organize, and deliver course materials in a clear and engaging manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Commitment to supporting student learning, academic success, and professional development.
• Ability to contribute to departmental, institute, and professional service activities.
• Proficiency with instructional technologies and learning management systems commonly used in higher education.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• For Professor of Practice candidates, demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate professional expertise into impactful educational experiences.

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

Areas of special interest include space vehicle design, space navigation, space structures and control, space environments, and human factors

Representative Job Duties:

• Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Aerospace Engineering and related disciplines.
• Develop, update, and deliver high-quality course materials, laboratories, and student learning experiences.
• Advise, mentor, and support students in their academic and professional development.
• Maintain regular office hours and provide timely feedback on student performance and progress.
• Participate in curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
• Contribute to the department's teaching mission through innovative instructional practices and experiential learning opportunities.
• Engage in departmental, school, institute, and professional service activities, including committee participation and accreditation-related efforts as appropriate.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, and external stakeholders to enhance educational programs and student opportunities.
• Maintain professional expertise and remain current with developments in aerospace engineering and engineering education.
• Support recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives for students and academic programs.
• For Professor of Practice appointments, leverage significant industry experience and professional networks to strengthen industry engagement, student career readiness, and program visibility.

Shift:

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Travel:

Driving:

No Driving

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: 

• Lecturer: $80,000 – $95,000 per 9-month academic year
• Senior Lecturer: $92,000 – $106,000 per 9-month academic year
• Professor of Practice: $96,000 – $140,000 per 9-month academic year

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).