Open Faculty Positions

Stanford University
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Faculty Opening

The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University invites applications for a tenure track faculty position at the Assistant, untenured Associate Professor, or tenured Associate Professor level.

Recent technology and capability advances in various areas of aerospace engineering are leading to a renaissance of the field, including concepts for future flight that hold promise for zero emission air transportation, new modalities for autonomous air transportation, artificial intelligence coupled with autonomous decision making for advanced robotics, and vastly improved capabilities for space access to deploy the next generation of space and exploration systems. The strategic and economic importance of safe, secure, and sustainable aviation and space systems is becoming recognized globally; achieving these goals requires a multidisciplinary approach involving research and development in multiple fields. To meet these challenges, we are seeking exceptional applicants who will develop a program of high-impact research, contribute to an innovative undergraduate curriculum, and develop graduate courses at the frontier of areas such as: aerodynamics and fluid mechanics; aerospace system design; autonomous aerospace vehicle technologies; novel fuel, storage, and propulsion systems for sustainable aviation; human and robotic exploration of space; and fundamental science and engineering in all aerospace disciplines. We will place higher priority on the impact, originality, and promise of the candidate’s work rather than on the particular area of specialization within Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Applicants must have completed, or be completing, a Ph.D. in the advertised field or a closely related one. Evidence of the ability to pursue a program of research, and a strong commitment to graduate and undergraduate teaching are also required. A successful candidate will be expected to teach courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels and to build and lead a team of graduate students in PhD research.

All candidates should apply online at https://facultypositions.stanford.edu/en-us/listing/  Applications should include a brief research and teaching plan (3-5 pages total for both combined), a detailed resume including a list of publications, and the names and contact information for three to five references. We will request letters of recommendation after candidates are short-listed. The Aeronautics and Astronautics Department, School of Engineering, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values. 

In order to receive the best possible consideration, please submit your application by October 15, 2026, when the review of files will begin. To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted by October 31, 2026. Our search will remain open until November 30, 2026. If you have questions regarding this opening or require assistance with the online application system, please contact the Faculty Search Administrator at aafacultysearch@stanford.edu

The expected base pay range for this position is:

Assistant Professor: $144,100- $163,766

Associate Professor (untenured): $158,510 - $196,803

Associate Professor (tenured): $168,510 - $206,803

This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment and does not include summer salary.  For more information about compensation and our wide range of benefits, including housing assistance, please contact the hiring department.

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu