Open Rank Professor - Hypersonics

Open Rank Professor - Hypersonics

42598BR

Mechanical Engineering

Position Description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Edward J. Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University invites applications for two full-time, 9-month, tenure-track Open Rank Professors in Hypersonics beginning in the Fall of 2026. The areas of interest are emerging areas of mechanical and aerospace engineering research, with a preference for applicants working in hypersonic propulsion, high-speed flows, general aerospace engineering, robotics, and systems engineering. This search is for all ranks of faculty, i.e., Assistant Professor / Associate Professor / Full Professor.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral / Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.

About Lubbock : Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the College

The Whitacre College of Engineering at Texas Tech University comprises seven academic departments : Electrical & Computer, Chemical, Civil & Environmental & Construction, Industrial, Mechanical, Petroleum, and Computer Science. It offers over thirty degree-programs to nearly 6,600 students, including more than 1,300 graduate students. Research funding has seen significant growth, with awards totaling $36 million in FY'24. The college's major research strengths include wind science & engineering, pulsed power and power electronics, microscale and nanoscale devices and semiconductor materials, medical imaging, bioengineering, energetics, intelligent software systems, and polymer materials. Texas Tech University, classified as a Carnegie Doctoral / Research University, enrolls approximately 40,000 students across 10 colleges.

About the Department / School / Area

The Department of Mechanical Engineering awarded 283 undergraduate, 38 MS, and 16 PhD degrees in AY 2024-25. Department enrollment includes 1,739 undergraduate students and 148 graduate students. Among the 33 tenure-track, tenured, research professors and professors of practice, roughly 30% are women and minorities. In recent years, department faculty have been awarded nearly 4 million dollars in externally sponsored research, of which 70% was from federal sources. Faculty are known for cited work on bio-inspired devices, computational mechanics, vortex dynamics, turbulence, microfluidics, nanoimprinting, physiological microstructure and translational nutrition, cardiovascular dynamics, nanomedicine, energetic and biological materials, and robust control methods. Department faculty recognitions and awards include membership in the US National Academy of Engineering and foreign Academies of Engineering and the Sciences, recognition as Thomson-Reuters highly cited scholars, PECASE, Young Investigator DOD awards, and NSF CAREER awards. For more information about the mechanical engineering department, please visit http : / / www.depts.ttu.edu / me / .

Major / Essential Functions

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a diverse student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and / or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research / creative activity, and service.

Successful candidates will be expected to develop an externally funded, independent research program and collaborate with TTU faculty across various academic units. Professional service as well as service to the department, college, and university is expected.

Organization

Texas Tech University

Faculty Qualifications

An earned Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline by the date of appointment

This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and / or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates who have very strong records of scholarship supported by extramural funding, and who have the proven capacity or clear potential to bring externally sponsored research to TTU are encouraged to apply. Teaching courses at both graduate and undergraduate levels is essential. Experience working with diverse student populations and first-generation students is highly desirable.

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply :

• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed research.
• Research expertise in hypersonic / high-speed flows, aerospace engineering, robotics, systems engineering, or novel emerging areas.
• Experience in teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Experience in service or outreach activities.

Duty Point

TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include the following documents in your application :

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Gordon Christopher, Search Committee Chair.

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Travel Required

None

Schedule Details

TBD

Grant Funded?

No

Job Group

Assistant Professor

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Salary Grade

800

Applications must be received by

01 / 05 / 2026