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Institution South Dakota Mines
Working Title Professor or Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering
Posting Number F01697P
Department SDSMT-Leslie A. Rose Department of Mechanical Engineering
Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City
Posting Text
The Leslie A. Rose Department of Mechanical Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology invites applications for a nine-month, tenured/tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor in aerospace engineering.
An earned PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, is required. To be considered for a tenured appointment, candidates should meet the SDBOR current expectations for tenure by demonstrating the capacity and ability to meet the standards of performance expected at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor. These include a strong record of teaching, an established research program, active and significant research publication in the years preceding application, and substantial service record at various levels. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written are required. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an externally funded research program in their area of expertise, teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and participate in service-related activities. In addition, there is the opportunity for the successful candidate to lead the growth of aerospace engineering at South Dakota Mines. Currently, the Leslie A. Rose Department of Mechanic al Engineering offers a very popular minor in aerospace engineering and have plans in place to add MS and PhD graduate degrees. Salary is commensurate with qualifications. The anticipated start date is August 2026.
The Leslie A. Rose Department of Mechanical Engineering takes pride in its excellent educational programs and world-class research activities. The department received the 2023 ASME Zwiep Award for Innovation in Mechanical Engineering Education for its cutting-edge project-based curriculum that is focused on product development that is infused throughout the four years of the curriculum. Supported by CAMP, students compete in several ASME and SAE sponsored national/international competitions. The department offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and currently is home to 650 undergraduates and 50 graduate students.
South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses, and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Individuals interested in this position must apply online at Careers at Mines (sdsmt.edu). Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin October 27, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Posting Date 09/26/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 10/27/2025
Advertised Salary
Duration of the Term 9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Tenure Status Tenured
Proposed Rank Associate Professor
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.
Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
At South Dakota Mines, student life is vibrant and welcoming, offering more than 80 clubs and organizations that foster a sense of community and provide leadership opportunities. Co-curricular activities, such as internships, cooperative education opportunities, and professional development programs, ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience in their fields while enhancing their academic learning. Students can explore their passions outside the classroom, from competitive athletics, music programs, and intramural sports to professional societies, competitive engineering teams, and cultural clubs.
South Dakota Mines faculty, staff, and students drive groundbreaking research across five main areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, deep underground science and engineering, critical and sustainable resources, smart and resilient cyber-infrastructure, and data science and numerical modeling. This research advances technology and innovation and offers students hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and beyond. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, South Dakota Mines provides programming that empowers students and faculty to transform scientific and technological innovations into viable products and startups.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city, with an MSA population of over 158,000. The city sees an average of 226 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by many things to see and do. The region has roughly 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery in the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails as well as top attractions like historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota Mines does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment or the provision of service.
Contact Information
Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication
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