The Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences (APSS) at the Florida Institute of Technology invites applications for multiple full-time tenure track or tenured (Assistant or Associate Professor) positions in the Aerospace Engineering program with the start date of August 2025.
Successful candidates must have a commitment to teaching excellence at undergraduate and graduate levels, develop a nationally recognized externally funded research program, and contribute to the institution and profession through service. A Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field is required for consideration. We seek candidates with research interests and expertise in (i) Spacecraft Design and Space Mission Engineering and (ii) Aerospace Composite Structures. Both theoretical and/or experimental background are suitable for these positions. Candidates with exceptional strength in other areas of aerospace engineering would also be considered.
The current aerospace engineering faculty have research strengths in multiple areas such as: 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, and modeling advanced energetic materials for solid propellants. Florida Tech has recently committed over $14 million to enhance engineering and science research infrastructure. These include research lab renovations, composites manufacturing and testing (autoclave, walk-in oven, ultrasonic C-scan, multi-axial load frame), materials characterization (SEM, TEM, AFM, micro-CT scanner), and spacecraft manufacturing (ISO6 clean rooms, thermal vacuum testing chambers, Sun simulator, vibration shaker, satellite ADCS test stand with air bearing & Helmholtz Cage). A similar level of investment is expected for the upcoming years.
Information about the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, as well as the College of Engineering and Science, can be found at. The Department has 34 faculty members representing diverse fields, including aerospace engineering, physics, astrophysics, astronomy, astrobiology, and planetary sciences. The APSS Department currently serves over 800 students, of which approximately 500 undergraduate and 70 graduate students are aerospace engineering majors, making the Aerospace Engineering program one of the largest on campus.
Florida Tech is a national, private, not-for-profit, technological, co-educational, doctoral-granting, research-intensive university. The university is ranked Top 100 Best Value University (U.S. News & World Report), 17th in U.S. Graduate Employability (Global Employability University Ranking), and Top 6% Best Return on Investment (Payscale). The University consists of four colleges: College of Aeronautics, College of Business, College of Engineering and Science and College of Psychology and Liberal Arts. Florida Tech offers more than 200 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well as Ed.S. and certificate programs. Florida Tech has over 9,200 students including Melbourne campus, off-campus sites, and online programs and 424 faculty members. More than 70,000 students from more than 120 countries have earned degrees from Florida Tech. Notable alumni include five space shuttle astronauts, the first female four-star general in U.S. military history, and a National Teacher of the Year. Located on 130 subtropical acres in the City of Melbourne on Florida's "Space Coast," Florida Tech’s campus is an Arbor Day Foundation-designated "Tree Campus USA." The Florida Tech campus is about 2 miles from Melbourne Airport, 6 miles from the nearest beach, 45 miles to the NASA Kennedy Space Center, and 75 miles to the Orlando area. The Milken Institute ranks the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida, USA the No. 25 best-performing large city in the U.S.
All applications must be submitted through (Florida Tech Employment webpage). Candidates should submit a single PDF document containing: 1. Cover letter, 2. Curriculum Vitae, 3. Statement of research experience and interests, 4. Statement of teaching experience and philosophy, 5. Diversity statement, and 6. Contact information for at least three references. Applications received by January 15, 2025 will be given full consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. Florida Tech is an equal opportunity employer. The Department is building a diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Ratneshwar (Ratan) Jha, Department Head & L3Harris Chair Professor, Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, via .
Equal Opportunity
Florida Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, parenting status, veteran status or retirement status in its activities and programs. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Florida Tech does not discriminate on the basis of sex. Inquiries concerning the application of the non-discrimination policy may be directed to the Office of Title IX at John E. Miller Office Building (401QAD), 150 West University Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901, <, or 321-674-8885, or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Please notify us at least five days in advance if a reasonable accommodation for a disability is needed by calling the Office of Human Resources at 321-674-8100.
Annual Security & Fire Safety Report
The federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires colleges and universities, both public and private, participating in federal student aid programs to disclose campus safety information and impose certain basic requirements for handling incidents of sexual violence and emergency situations.
Florida Tech’s 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Florida Tech, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.
The numbers provided include crime statistics reported to local law enforcement agencies, campus security and other Campus Security Authorities.
The report also includes institutional policy statements regarding campus safety and security measures, descriptions of prevention and awareness programs, related university procedures and important guidance, and other essential safety information.
You can obtain a printed copy of this report at the Department of Security Welcome Center located at 3126 Panther Place during normal business hours or by accessing the following website: 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts of all collegiate work must be sent directly from the attended institution to the Office of Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. All international degrees must have a course-by-course official evaluation and translation sent to the Human Resources Office directly from an evaluation company affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES).
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