Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Posted: 10/09/2025
Category: Aerospace Engineering
Requisition ID: 1032680
Job Category: Faculty
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
College: The Grainger College of Engineering
Department: Department of Aerospace Engineering
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Position Overview

The Department of Aerospace Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applications for one open-rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) tenure-track, full-time faculty position.

Emphasis will be placed on expertise in:

• Aerothermodynamics modeling and simulation

• Gas-surface thermochemical interactions (including quantum-mechanical treatments)

• High-temperature physics and ablation processes

• Plasma physics as related to hypersonic flight and atmospheric entry

Candidates with expertise in other areas relevant to Aerospace Engineering that complement the department’s current strengths are also welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an active, independent research program.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses effectively.

• Contribute to service activities within the department, college, and profession.

• Support and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the university community.

About the Department

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at UIUC hosts:

• 34 faculty (tenure-track, tenured, and specialized)

• 800+ undergraduate and 300+ graduate students

• State-of-the-art hypersonics facilities including a 350-kW inductively plasma wind tunnel and two-stage gas gun.

• Collaborations with CHESS (Center for Hypersonics and Entry Systems Studies), the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), and the Laboratory for Advanced Space Systems at Illinois (LASSI).

For more about facilities and programs, visit: https://aerospace.illinois.edu

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field (at the start date).

• Preferred: Strong record of research, teaching, and professional service.

Salary & Appointment

• Assistant Professor: $110,000 – $135,000

• Associate Professor: $135,000 – $170,000

• Full Professor: $170,000 – $210,000

• Basis: 9-month service (paid over 12 months)

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Process

Applicants should create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a single PDF containing:

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Research Statement

4. Teaching Statement

5. Service Statement

6. Names and contact information of three professional references

Full consideration deadline: December 1, 2025
Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.
Expected start date: Fall 2026 (negotiable).

For inquiries, contact Ms. Kristen Reifsteck at ktreifst@illinois.edu.

Additional Information

• Dual Career Support: UIUC offers programs for academic couples and family-friendly policies.

• Benefits: Comprehensive employee benefits and competitive career resources.

• Equal Opportunity: The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.
  Applicants with disabilities or requiring accommodations may contact accessibility@illinois.edu or call 217-333-0885.

• Export Control Notice: Employment may be subject to federal export control regulations.

Be Part of the Future of Aerospace at Illinois — Apply Today!
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Diversity, Innovation, and Excellence in Engineering