Director of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

the client invites applications for a Director to lead a School focused on aerospace and mechanical engineering, with an anticipated start in the Fall of 2026. The Director will elevate the School’s impact and innovation across research, creative activity, education, and external engagement, and will provide collaborative, visionary leadership to advance measurable outcomes for the academic community. The role is housed within the engineering education structure of the client and oversees an academic environment with undergraduate and graduate degree programs accredited under ABET. The School supports a growing portfolio of research and scholarly activity across areas such as aerospace systems, advanced materials and structures, robotics and autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, fluid and thermal sciences, energy systems, computational engineering, and related interdisciplinary domains. The Director is expected to help shape the School’s strategic trajectory by strengthening research productivity and external funding, supporting faculty development, and fostering interdisciplinary initiatives. The position also emphasizes educational excellence, including student success, curricular innovation, experiential learning, graduate education, and workforce preparation aligned with evolving industry and societal needs. Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field, along with demonstrated leadership that promotes a supportive, high-performing environment grounded in shared governance. The ideal candidate will present a distinguished record of peer-reviewed publications and significant external research funding, particularly from federal sources, and will show the ability to sustain a thriving research and creative environment. The Director should also demonstrate strong capacity for external engagement and industry partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including federal labs, alumni, and community partners, to enhance research opportunities, student pathways, and the School’s national visibility and impact. Confidential