Job Summary
The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AAE) at Purdue University invites applications for a non-tenure-track Professor of Engineering Practice position at the Assistant or Associate rank. These positions connect aerospace practice with aerospace education, preparing the next generation of engineers for the realities of engineering careers. Expertise in any area of aeronautics and astronautics will be considered. Positions are full-time, three-year, renewable appointments with an anticipated start date of August 2027. The position requires full-time presence on the West Lafayette campus.
Professors of Engineering Practice bring their experience into the classroom. They teach undergraduate and graduate AAE courses, which may include hybrid and fully online instruction. Each professor also develops an area of excellence: a sustained body of work beyond classroom teaching that grows out of their professional background and advances AAE’s mission. Current AAE Professors of Engineering Practice lead work in integrating digital engineering into the undergraduate curriculum, program assessment and accreditation, industry engagement, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and developing new undergraduate and graduate programs and certificates.
Candidates must hold a mster's degree (MS or MSE) in aerospace engineering or a closely related discipline by the start date, with a doctoral degree (PhD or DEng) preferred. Candidates must also have at least five years of relevant post-baccalaureate professional experience, which may include any combination of engineering practice in industry, government or national laboratories, federally funded research and development centers, military service, or academic appointments. Time spent as a student, including co-ops, internships, and graduate research or teaching assistantships, does not count toward this requirement.
About AAE and Purdue Engineering
AAE is consistently recognized as an international leader for the quality of its educational programs, the innovation and depth of its research, and its impact on aerospace technology and workforce. It is one of the largest aerospace engineering programs in the US by degrees granted, with more than 1,300 undergraduate and 650 graduate students, and is ranked 3rd (undergraduate) and 5th (graduate) nationally. Additional information about AAE is available at https://engineering.purdue.edu/AAE.
Purdue Engineering is renowned for excellent faculty and students, unique research facilities and innovations, and a culture of collegiality and persistent pursuit of preeminence. As one of the top ranked and largest engineering colleges in the nation, we are the first among U.S. engineering colleges in annual graduates and market demand, and have 8 degree programs ranked in the top 10 nationally. Purdue Engineering is a top-ranked college for patents and translation of our research activities to practice in the state, nation, and world. More than 70 Purdue Engineering faculty and alumni are National Academy of Engineering members, and we look to continue bringing outstanding faculty to campus, remaining the leader in affordable excellence at scale by guiding strategic growth through investment in people, exciting initiatives, and facilities.
How to Apply
Submit an application at this site that includes: (1) A cover letter, (2) a complete CV or resume. (3) A teaching statement (two pages maximum) describing your teaching interests and approach. Candidates without formal teaching experience may draw on experience mentoring, training, or leading engineers. (4) An area of excellence statement (two pages maximum) describing where your professional background positions you to make a sustained contribution to AAE’s mission, and what you would aim to accomplish in your first three to five years. (5) Names and contact information for at least three references. The search committee may contact references to request letters. Review of applications will begin on November 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. A background check is required for employment. For questions, contact Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, at coeacademicaffairs@purdue.edu.
Purdue and the College of Engineering have a Concierge Program that provides dual career assistance and relocation services.
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.