Associate​/Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering; AY

Associate/Assistant Professor - Aerospace Engineering (AY 26/27)

Apply now Job no: 552335.
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track.
Location: San Luis Obispo.
Categories: Unit 3 – CFA – California Faculty Association, Tenure/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty – Engineering.

Apply for the Aerospace Engineering Department in the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. The position is a full-time, academic year, tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank beginning Fall 2026.

Cal Poly values teaching excellence and scholarship. Faculty are expected to exhibit strong pedagogic skills, remain current in their disciplines, teach undergraduate and master’s level courses, support curricular development, pursue research, and serve the department, university, and community. Duties include teaching courses, building an innovative research program integrating undergraduate students, and developing students into ready engineers. Candidates should have experience or interest in aircraft flight mechanics, control, and autonomy, including fixed‑wing aircraft, rotorcraft, or emerging new‑technology air vehicles.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The anticipated hiring range is:
Assistant Professor $110,000–$123,000 per year;
Associate Professor $120,000–$134,000 per year. Industry experience is encouraged.

Cal Poly emphasizes a “learn‑by‑doing” approach with extensive lab work and projects. The Aerospace Engineering Department offers a B.S. and M.S. and is ranked top among primarily undergraduate public programs.

Our department provides a rigorous undergraduate and graduate education in aerospace engineering. We collaborate closely with faculty, students, and industry partners. U.S. News & World Report ranks the department highly.

This position is open to all. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment in compliance with federal and state law, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other anti‑discrimination laws. The university prohibits discriminatory practices and promotes an inclusive environment.

Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated excellence in university‑level teaching, laboratory‑based instruction, and industry experience. Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment is preferred.

The holder of this position is a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. Background checks are required. Employment is contingent on satisfactory background investigation.

Applicants should complete a required online faculty application and attach the following supplemental documents: (1) cover letter detailing qualifications and interest; (2) current CV; (3) statement of research goals and plans; (4) unofficial transcripts; and (5) Universal Student Success Statement.

Please provide a description of your approach to teaching, inclusive practices, and how you will develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Include service or scholarship related to inclusive teaching if applicable.

Three professional references with names and email addresses are required. Selected candidates must provide official transcripts prior to appointment.

Cal Poly does not commit to visa sponsorship for this position.

Apply by December 1 2025. Late applications may be considered. For questions, contact Aaron Drake via agdrake.

Advertised:
Oct 23 2025 Pacific Daylight Time.

Benefits:
Cal Poly provides a range of benefits, including parental leave, educational fee waivers, childcare pre‑tax benefits, and an on‑campus children’s center. (Find more at  and https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

Full-time, tenure‑track faculty position in Aerospace Engineering.