The Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering (MMAE) at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) invites applications for an open-rank tenured or tenure-track faculty position in fluid dynamics. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research focuses on areas of aerodynamics such as unsteady flows, aircraft stability and control, propulsion, flow control, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Candidates with a strong experimental background are especially encouraged to apply. Senior candidates with a strong record of sustained success in research, teaching, and service will be considered for a tenured appointment as an associate or full professor. The expected start date is Spring 2026, but this is negotiable.
Illinois Tech is a private, Ph.D.-granting research university with nationally ranked programs in aerospace, mechanical and other engineering programs, and in computing, architecture, science, design, psychology, business, law, and the humanities. It is ranked #1 in Illinois and #23 nationally in the Wall Street Journal’s “America’s Best Colleges 2024.” Founded in 1890 to provide access to higher education for students of all backgrounds, Illinois Tech remains deeply committed to that mission. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of the day-to-day experience and a central component of the university’s culture. Illinois Tech encourages applications from all qualified candidates.
At the time of appointment, applicants must hold an earned doctorate in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field. Faculty in MMAE are expected to develop and maintain a vibrant, externally funded research program that supports graduate students and leads to a strong record of publication. We especially welcome candidates with cross-disciplinary research interests. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching in aerospace, mechanical and mechanics, as well as to a vibrant research program and active service to academia and profession.
The MMAE Department offers ABET-accredited degrees in aerospace engineering and in mechanical engineering as well as a range of master’s and Ph.D. programs. The department includes 23 full-time faculty and supports approximately 400 undergraduate and 150 graduate students. Our facilities include advanced laboratories supporting all areas of mechanical, materials, and aerospace engineering—among them are several low-speed and high-speed wind tunnels, including the National Diagnostic Facility, specialized flow facilities, and a wide range of advanced instrumentation, including laser-based optical methods. Learn more at https://www.iit.edu/mmae. The Armour College of Engineering comprises six departments and promotes interdisciplinary research and inclusive excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. Illinois Tech’s main campus is located three miles from downtown Chicago, in proximity to a wide array of industries and national laboratories.
The application package must include (i) a cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) statement of research interests, (iv) statement of teaching philosophy, and (vi) contact information for five references submitted as a single pdf file (with file structure lastname_firstname.pdf ) to mmae-department@iit.edu with the subject line “Aerospace Faculty Position”. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by October 1, 2025; however, review of applications will continue until the position has been filled. Additional questions regarding the position should be emailed to Ms. Lee Stein at lstein1@iit.edu.
