Open Rank Faculty-Space Structures and Manufacturing

Job Description

The Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering
at Virginia Tech seeks applications for a tenure-track faculty
position in space structures and manufacturing at any rank
effective August 2027. We seek candidates in areas relevant to
space systems who will build and sustain a scholarly research and
teaching portfolio on topics such as spacecraft structures;
in-space manufacturing, assembly, servicing and repair; advanced
manufacturing, resource utilization and additive manufacturing for
space systems; lunar and planetary structures and habitats;
structures for entry, descent and landing vehicles; and
lightweight, deployable and/or high precision space structures. A
new hire in this area will be encouraged to join Space@VT
(https://www.space.vt.edu/), a college-level center engaged in
research on all aspects of space science and systems. The new hire
will also have opportunities to engage with VT MADE
(https://made.vt.edu/new-home.html), Virginia Tech’s
interdisciplinary initiative in advanced manufacturing, the broader
advanced manufacturing community at Virginia Tech.

The Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering hosts a collegial
faculty team supported by world-class teaching, high-performance
computing, and experimental research facilities. Our unique
combination of Aerospace and Ocean perspectives allows our
researchers to forge new paths and launch our graduates into
careers that deepen our understanding, advance technological
solutions, and successfully design complex systems that must
persistently operate in unforgiving Aerospace and Ocean
environments.

Successful candidates will be responsible for developing a strong
externally sponsored research program, teaching courses at the
undergraduate and graduate levels, and mentoring students.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must hold an earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) in
Aerospace Engineering or a closely related discipline by the time
of appointment. Applicants must have a demonstrated record of
scholarly research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications,
conference presentations, externally funded research, or other
relevant scholarly contributions; documented experience
collaborating with researchers or professionals within or across
disciplines; demonstrated participation in professional,
university, or disciplinary service activities; and research
experience that applies or integrates methods, concepts, or
approaches across disciplinary areas to address complex technical
or societal challenges. Successful applicants will be responsible
for mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, teaching and
developing courses, and developing a vibrant externally sponsored
research program.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

110,00-180,000

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

December 1, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal
conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),
Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a
hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be
leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution
that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the
world, Virginia Tech is an
inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and
creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse
enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and
professional students in eight
undergraduate colleges , a
school of medicine , a
veterinary medicine college,
Graduate School , and
Honors College . The university has a significant presence
across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C.
area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites
in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous
Extension offices and
research institutes . A leading global research institution,
Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research
annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional
development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable
contributions to university shared governance provide important
representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique
and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or
applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including
pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic
information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,
race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or
otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire
about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation
of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected
by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an
accommodation, please contact Erin Wilson and
erinwilson@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10
business days prior to the event.