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The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is searching for outstanding applicants to fill up to two (2) tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor rank (Position numbers: 198029 and 198113) and one (1) Visiting Professor of Practice (POP) position (T98154) at all ranks by Fall 2025. 

Preference for the two tenure-track faculty positions will be placed on applicants with research expertise in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering in the following areas.

• Position No. 198029: Space robotics; autonomy for space systems; in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM); spacecraft instrumentation and computing.


• Position No. 198113: Robotics and autonomous systems with emphasis on aerial, ground, and underwater unmanned systems; dynamics and control; artificial intelligence and machine learning in robotics; collaborative robots; robotics for advanced manufacturing, inspection, and monitoring.

Preference for the POP position (Position No. T98154) will be placed on applicants with a minimum of 5 years of industrial or compatible experiences in Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Processes.

The tenure-track candidates need to show potential to aggressively leverage opportunities at the state and federal levels, to develop and grow an impactful and sustainable research program. All candidates are expected to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses. The candidates should demonstrate a plan for successful collaborations with other faculty, both inside and outside NMSU, that fosters cross-disciplinary research.

NMSU is a land- and space-grant institution with a student population that exceeds 15,000. NMSU is classified by Carnegie as a Doctoral University with Higher Research Activity and as a Community Engagement institution with a large body of Hispanic and Native American students. The MAE department has strong undergraduate and graduate programs that continue to grow. The department offers B.S., M.S., M.E., and Ph.D. degrees in both Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Its location in Southern New Mexico is unique and puts the MAE department in close vicinity to the White Sands Missile Range, NASA-Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Holloman and Kirtland AFBs, and Spaceport America. The MAE department collaborates with the NMSU Physical Science Laboratory (a SCIF), which operates one of the largest FAA Flight Test Centers in the nation. Famous for the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and historic Mesilla, a healthy climate, and affordable and safe living, Las Cruces with its strong Southwestern culture is an attractive choice to build a successful career.

Responsibilities of an MAE Assistant/Associate Professor include:

• Developing an internationally-renowned, externally and competitively-funded, independent research program,


• Teaching and developing undergraduate and graduate-level courses,


• Advising students at undergraduate and graduate levels, and


• Participating in MAE shared governance processes and service activities.

The positions are for a 9-month appointment that will include a competitive salary and startup package. Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s prior experience and qualifications. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of the individual’s eligibility for employment in the US and upon the successful completion of applicable background reviews.

Required Qualifications for Tenure-Track Applicants:

• D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field,


• Proven capacity or clear potential to successfully secure competitive research funding,


• Demonstrated ability to produce scholarly archival publications,


• Expression of a strong dedication to undergraduate and graduate-level teaching, and


• Commitment to inclusiveness for all students in teaching, learning, and advising.

Required Qualifications for POP Applicants:

• S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field,


• A minimum of 5 years of industrial or compatible experience in Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Processes


• Expression of a strong dedication to undergraduate and graduate-level teaching, and


• Commitment to inclusiveness for all students in teaching, learning, and advising.

Applications must be received by January 12, 2025, for full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the positions have been filled. Applicants should submit the following documents: (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) teaching interests and philosophy statement (2 pages max.), (4) research plan (4 pages max., only for tenure-track positions), and (5) the names and contact information for three professional references.

Applications are to be submitted electronically via https://careers.nmsu.edu/jobs/search. The position numbers are 198029, 198113 (Req #501621), and T98154 (Req #501620), respectively.