Department: Aerospace Engineering

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range of 95,000 -105,000/yr, commensurate with qualifications

Work Schedule: Dependent on teaching assignment and research program needs.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Department of Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of solid mechanics/structures/structural dynamics. We seek an innovative scholar and educator who will contribute to our academic programs and research profile. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop a productive research program, and provide service to the university and profession. This position is a 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of Fall 2026.

The Aerospace Engineering department within the College of Engineering at WSU is the seventh oldest in the nation. The department comprises of eleven faculty members offering curricula in aeronautics and astronautics. The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and student success. A large fraction of our students work throughout the year in paid jobs at the 20+ companies on the Innovation Campus. In addition to the companies, the Innovation Campus is home to the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR), the new Deloitte Smart Factory@Wichita, the Crash Dynamics Lab, and the John Bardo Center, where both the Innovation Hub and GoCreate maker spaces are located. We have state of the art facilities for robotics and automation; computer aided design and manufacturing; 3D printing of plastics and metals; composites and coatings; mechanical, structural, and environmental testing; failure analysis; crash dynamics; extended reality; reverse engineering; multiple wind/water tunnels; and, a research machine shop. We are interested in outstanding candidates who are committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship and to a diverse campus climate.

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Teaching: Develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in solid mechanics/structures/structural dynamics. This includes designing curriculum and instructional materials, delivering high-quality instruction in various modalities (in-person, online, or hybrid), and assessing student learning. The faculty member will mentor and advise students, including supervising research projects or theses as appropriate, and incorporate applied learning opportunities (e.g. projects with industry or community partners) into the coursework whenever possible.

Research/Scholarly Activity: Establish and maintain an active research program in solid mechanics/structures/structural dynamics. This includes publishing peer-reviewed scholarly work and disseminating results in academic venues. The faculty member is expected to seek external funding (grants or industry collaboration) to support research activities and, where applicable, engage in interdisciplinary projects or partnerships with industry. Excellence in scholarship should be demonstrated by a record of research accomplishments or clear potential for high-quality research output.

Service: Participate in service activities within the department, college, and university, as well as in professional organizations. Service duties include committee work, curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment, and community outreach. The faculty member will contribute to the governance and strategic initiatives of the department and may also engage in service to the broader profession (e.g. reviewing for journals, involvement in academic societies).

Other: Fulfill other duties as assigned, in accordance with the faculty member’s talents and departmental needs. All Wichita State faculty are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards in teaching, research, and service.

Required Education and Experience:

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field is required.
At least one of the degrees must be in Aerospace Engineering. Candidates must have completed the requirements for the Ph.D. by the time of appointment.

Teaching: Demonstrated potential for effective teaching in aerospace engineering (solid mechanics/structures/etc). Evidence may include prior teaching experience, student evaluations, teaching awards, or a teaching philosophy that reflects best practices in instruction.

Research Ability: Demonstrated potential for productive research and scholarship. This can be shown by publications, conference presentations, dissertation work, research proposals submitted (as PI or Co-PI) to funding agencies, or other scholarly activities indicating the ability to develop an independent research program.

Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and students. The candidate should be able to collaborate in a collegial academic environment and adapt to the interdisciplinary and applied learning focus of Wichita State. Evidence could include references and examples of written communication.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to develop collaborations as part of a multidisciplinary research teams.
• Sound understanding within the realm of solid mechanics/structures/structural dynamics.
• Ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge to create an applied research program in the area of solid mechanics/structures/structural dynamics.
• Have a demonstrated record of excellence in, or show exceptional promise for, high-quality research, teaching, and professional development.
• Demonstrated evidence of or potential for scholarly productivity.

Additional Information:

Application packages should include the following:
1) statement of research
2) statement of teaching
3) a cover letter

Review of applications will begin on October 30, 2025, and continue until the positions are filled.
Inquiries about the position and nominations of potential candidates should be directed to Dr. Suresh Keshavanarayana, Chair of Aerospace Engineering at suresh.keshavanarayana@wichita.edu or 316-978-5939

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement: