Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering - National defense or space engineering

Job description

Description The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level, to begin in Fall 2026. We are seeking outstanding candidates whose research lies within a core area of mechanical engineering—including but not limited to dynamics and control, robotics, thermofluid sciences, materials, and manufacturing. The ideal candidate’s expertise should complement and enhance existing departmental research strengths. Broadly, the candidate’s work may align with one of the department’s two tracks: robotics or thermofluids. Candidates should have a strong theoretical foundation and a clear vision for applying fundamental mechanical engineering principles to address major societal challenges in national defense or space engineering . Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, robotics, autonomous systems, intelligent systems, aerospace propulsion, hypersonics, design and control of aerospace and space vehicles, space manufacturing, and AI/machine learning . About the Department and University: The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University includes 22 primary facult...